Chalfant Carvings Bring Life to Art Installation

Elmira, NY (12/09/2019) — Derek Chalfant, associate professor of art at Elmira College, recently contributed his artistic talent and interpretation to Chemung River Echoes, a new public art installation located at N. Main and W. Third Streets.

Chalfant, who carved fossil-like representations of six indigenous species of fish into four large bluestone rock formations, hopes the images will connect those traveling the route with the strong history of and connections to the Chemung River.

"It is my hope that the uniqueness of the installation will assist individuals, and the community as a whole, to be responsible stewards of our shared natural environments," said Chalfant. "The carved stone sculpture of fish and water may serve as important reminders related to the importance of aquatic life, nature and all forms of life. This is relevant particularly when considering the present state of global climate changes. The fish are modeled to resemble and have the spirit of fossils of the Paleozoic time. As the world continues to change, one may wonder when the water levels may rise above the carved fish in the stone."

The art installation depicts other aspects of the Chemung River including its ospreys and eagles, all of which will be illuminated at night. Inspirational quotations honoring thirty individuals, living and historical, were also etched onto the stones by Chalfant.

"I was also honored to be involved with the etching of important quotes in granite," said Chalfant. "These are words of people of historical significance that have positively contributed to the lives of others."

Quotations, which were selected by Second District Councilperson Brent Stermer and Lynne Rusinko, president of Community Arts, honor such iconic Elmira figures as Ernie Davis, Hal Roach, Tommy Hilfiger, Tedd Arnold, Eileen Collins, and Mark Twain.

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