In theory, freedom and peace go hand in hand. History tells us that with the attainment of one, the other will surely follow. However, total freedom cannot be guaranteed along with the expectation of a truly peaceful existence. Nor is it necessarily desirable. What is desirable? What is desired is a comfortable sense of security with the illusion of freedom. For this to occur, a reasonable and acceptable amount of freedom must be surrendered. A compromise must be reached. These two necessities of contemporary life must be balanced. Through the delicate balance of these two ideals (freedom and peace), this sculpture is intended to be a monument to freedom, its attainment, and a tribute to those who have achieved a balance between peace and freedom for so many through the use of non-violent force.





George Beasley
"Farm" at Freedom Park
Steel, Cast Iron Sculpture with Tilled Earth

The vacant lifeguard stand is a structure designed to represent the abandoned guardianship of our agricultural industry. When the stand is empty, there is usually a notice posted notifying the public that they may "swim (plant) at your own risk." Multi-national agribusinesses have bought control of our government through campaign contributions and well-financed lobbying efforts, freeing them to pursue genetic modifying practices that threatens our environment and exacerbates world poverty; all in the name of "progress." No one is guarding the beach (land). This stand is not an anti-technical proclamation, but rather a call for real control through unbiased scientific research. Almost all "testing" done today is being financed by a few major agribusinesses. Input by social sciences on the repercussions to small farmers is being ignored. The loss of small farms in America is proceeding at an alarming rate, leaving us little or no choice in the quality of the food we eat. Long-term problems (which may never be rectified) are being created in pursuit of a few corporations' wealth. "The seed has been spilled."


Jill Carson, Tsu Yin Lue, Amy Zvonar
Freedom Park Kite Project
Interactive Installation

The setting of a park, with wide open spaces, green fields, and tree covered walks, lends itself perfectly to memories of childhood and some of the many simple joys of life, such as flying a kite. Releasing a kite and watching it soar into the air is something few adults feel they have time for, and yet the sense of freedom it imparts is well worth the few minutes it takes to get one flying. Explore the sense of freedom imparted by kites by joining this group on Sunday afternoons between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., weather permitting, where you can write on and fly one of their kites, or bring your own and join in the fun.

See the Events page for regular updates on the group's schedule.

>> Artist's web site: http://www.jillcarson.com