Local Artist Takes Lead on the Bill Russell Legacy Project
Ann Hirsch Announced as Artist for the Bill Russell Legacy Project
Local Artist Takes Lead on the Bill Russell Legacy Project Ann Hirsch Announced as Artist for the
Bill Russell Legacy Project
Boston, MA – Local artist Ann Hirsch has been named the new artist for The Bill Russell Legacy Project.
“Mr. Russell’s legacy is important to the story of this city in sports and also in terms of human rights,” Artist Ann Hirsch said. “I am proud and humbled to be chosen to create this artwork and look forward to its unveiling in the near future. I am especially thrilled that I will be able to work as a mentor myself by involving local children in my process through the Shamrock Foundation.”
A Somerville resident, Ann Hirsch integrates figurative and architectural components by drawing on time-honored approaches, integrating historical modalities with contemporary practices and perspectives. Hirsch’s work is grounded in the body, movement and traditional sculpture technique. Her work is driven by a strong interest in 'theater' as public presentation and the meaningful organization of symbol, figure and space.
Hirsch earned a B.A. in Art History at Columbia University and Master's degrees from N.Y.U. and the New York Academy of Art. She has completed many commissions, teaches undergraduate sculpture at the Rhode Island School of Design and Lesley University, and shows in New York and Massachusetts.
“I am pleased that Ann Hirsch has joined our “team” as the artist for the Bill Russell tribute. Ann’s concept for the site, together with the mentoring program established in Bill’s name, will ensure that we’re creating something special, as a champion such as Bill Russell deserves.” Mayor Menino said.
“Congratulations to Ann Hirsch for being selected for the project. We are excited about Ann’s design. The statue will serve to commemorate Bill Russell forever as a Celtic and a mentor for all future generations. We are honored to be part of his legacy.” Boston Celtics Managing Partner/Co-owner and President of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation Stephen Pagliuca said.
Russell’s statue will be completed in two phases. The sculpture will represent Bill Russell the whole man, honoring him as an athlete, coach, human rights activist, ground breaker and mentor. The sculpture will be slightly larger than life size. Russell will be on a low plinth in game action about to make a pass. Ten other plinths will surround Russell, for a total of 11 objects representing Mr. Russell’s 11 championships with the Boston Celtics. Each plinth will feature a key word and a corresponding quotation to illuminate the myriad of accomplishments spanning Mr. Russell’s entire career both on and off the court.
“I am happy to see the Celtics embrace mentoring and create this program that benefits children.” Bill Russell said. “My lifelong passion is to help the mentoring of children and the biggest honor of my career was to be Captain of the Boston Celtics.”
In addition to erecting the statue of Russell, the Bill Russell Legacy Project, along with the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation developed a Mentoring Grant program in Russell’s name to ensure his passion for mentoring children is carried on. The grant’s main objective is to expand the resources for mentoring programs in the city of Boston. In the grant’s inaugural year, over $50k in grants were awarded to the following programs: Adoption and Foster Care Mentoring, Generations, Inc. and The DREAM Program, Inc. Applications for the 2013 Bill Russell Grants are now being accepted through Mass Mentoring Partnership at
www.massmentors.org. The deadline to apply is February 12, 2013, Mr. Russell’s birthday.
Co-chaired by Boston Celtics Managing Partner/Co-owner and President of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation Stephen Pagliuca and Boston Philanthropist and Founder of the Bobby Sager Traveling Foundation and Roadshow Bobby Sager, the Bill Russell Legacy Committee consists of Karen Russell, Russell’s former teammate Tommy Heinsohn as well as Boston Mayor Tom Menino and his Administration. The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation has established the Bill Russell Legacy Fund to act as the major funding vehicle for the project.
