The Virginian-Pilot
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For the first time since Presidents Park in Williamsburg was built five years ago, there's a new addition: a bust of President Barack Obama.
On Friday, about two dozen people witnessed the unveiling of the bust, which is mounted in a case just above eye level and bears a lifelike resemblance to the president in a suit and tie.
"The model captures all of the elements of Obama in the newest defining moment in American history," said Everette Newman III, president of the park.
The bust is the work of artist David Adickes, who crafted towering statues of the 42 other presidents at the park. The 10-acre site opened in 2004 and is currently up for sale.
"It was his second model," Newman said of the artist's Obama bust. "He was not pleased with the first. I believe it's his best work. It is stunning and has the dignity and expression of the newest president."
The model now sits in the lobby but is only a stand-in for a larger statue Newman said he hopes will join the other statues outside.
Park officials say they need to raise $60,000 to build the 16- to 18-foot-tall sculpture by July 4.
Newman said he plans to position the roughly 4-ton statue in a spot just to the right of President George W. Bush.
Duane Bourne, (757) 222-5150, duane.bourne@pilotonline.com
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