Manchester Sculpture Project Offers Sneak Peek Of Latest Work

MANCHESTER, CT — The latest segment of The Manchester Sculpture Project — a depiction of author Emily Cheney Neville — is in "the home stretch" and the artist is sharing a sneak peek of Ms. Neville.

"The sculptor is putting final touches on the life-size clay model and we have added a cat to reflect Emily's first book, 'It's Like This, Cat,'" organizers said. "Of course, we're still accepting donations as the tariffs will likely increase the foundry costs, but we're still planning on a June 2026 unveiling."

Here are some teaser photos:

"We like the element of surprise for the (unveiling) ceremony," organizers said.

Upcoming fundraisers are:

• Oct. 28 – Guest Bartender Night at Cafe Aura, from 5 to 7 p.m. (donations go to The Sculpture Project)
• Nov. 15 – Wreath and holiday decor sale at the Manchester History Center, 175 Pine St., from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. with live music and refreshments. All wreaths and decor made by local artisans and designers. (info at manchesterhistory.org).

In May 2024, the Manchester Sculpture Project picked Avon-based sculptor Susan Wakeen to design it's third entry into the community. Wakeen was chosen for her "extensive artistry, with emphasis on female subjects, many of whom have won national awards," organizers said.

Manchester author Neville had been chosen as the subject of the organization's next project.

"The idea of having a female sculptor designing this particular artwork was thrilling to consider," project leader Lynn Sottile said at the time.

Neville, the mother of five and a member of the well-known Cheney family, began her journey
as a writer once her children started school. Her wide variety of books were as broad as her
travels around the world, but her very first book, "It’s like this, Cat" won her the prestigious
Newbery Medal.

"For this and so many other reasons," the project committee chose Neville as its third subject, Sottile said.

The intention is to place the sculpture in Center Memorial Park and it would be the first
sitting statue, so "the community can enjoy sitting on a bench and reading along with
Neville in this historic park," according to project officials.

The first two sculptures, that of famed runner Joe McCluskey on Highland Street and educator Elisabeth Bennet on Main Street, were created by New York based sculptor, Michael Keropian.

Fundraising for the Neville sculpture began with a successful Designer Bag Bingo in April, but
donations are welcome via the Manchester Historical Society, the Project's fiduciary partner.