Boulder, CO: Today, the Boulder Art Association announced that they will host Major Fredric Arnold, a 92-year-old Boulder-based sculptor and retired WWII P-38 Combat Fighter Pilot, as he reveals one of the life-size sculptures from his “Lest We Forget: The Mission” monument on Sept. 19, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Of his original 14 P-38 Fighter Group, 12 were killed. Major Fredric Arnold is one of the two survivors. The sculpted artwork is part of a monument to honor the 88,000 airmen who lost their lives in WWII. Maj. Arnold will speak about the first of the 12 sculptures and conduct a book signing of his autobiographical work, Doorknob Five Two, at the presentation. The event will take place at the Boulder Art Association, 4800 Baseline Road, Suite B-103, Boulder, CO 80303.
“We are extremely honored as a local arts organization to have the opportunity to highlight Major Arnold’s artistic and military achievements,” said Rod Swanstrom, President of the Boulder Art Association, “We invite the entire community to experience Major Arnold’s first casting of his epic project at one of its first public showings before all 12 pieces come together for their final installation. When attendees view his amazing work, they’ll also get the chance to meet Fredric and purchase his book, a chronicle of his experiences as a WWII pilot.”
Arnold’s Lest We Forget: The Mission includes 12 life-size fighter pilots at a mission briefing; Seven of the figures are alive and participating, while five, lighter in color than the rest, are pictured in full flight gear, as they would have looked when they were killed in action, evoking a feeling of distance and loss of life.
Of his inspiration for the sculpture, Arnold said, “Following my five month tour of duty in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, I was one of two pilots who survived from our original group of fourteen P-38 fighter pilots…Today, I’m the last guy standing and I’m determined to fulfill my commitment to honor their memory and give thanks to the less fortunate members of my class.”
When visitors attend the event, they can also view the artwork from September’s member art show, an eclectic showing of art works in various mediums showing the variety and diverse styles of the BAA members. Both shows will run until Sept. 28. The BAA is open Friday-Sunday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
About the Boulder Art Association: The Boulder Art Association offers artists of any skill level the opportunity to join an open, friendly group committed to offering art opportunities throughout the Boulder Community. Consistent growth and a long history in Boulder enable us to offer more community outreach, support for local artists, county art shows, and a gathering place for artists and art lovers alike.
