FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 31, 2006   FOR MORE INFORMATION: Dave Wilson, (480) 890-2613 or Dave@DowntownMesa.com   Big Donation Allows ‘Big Charlie Black’ to Join Mesa’s Permanent Sculpture Collection   Big Charlie Black, the bronze pig visiting downtown Mesa, has landed a permanent job in our community charming all who pass with his friendly grin, floppy ears and laidback posture.   The sculpture by Carrie Gantt Quade of Hockessin, Del., on display as part of the 7th Annual Sculptures In The Streets exhibit has become the newest addition to Mesa’s Permanent Sculpture Collection. The addition was made possible by a generous $25,000 grant from the Barrette Family Fund, an advised fund within the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation – Upper Valley Region.   "High quality art in public places is an important part of our culture," said Ray and Cynthia Barrette. "We are pleased to make it possible for the work of sculptor Carrie Quade to be seen and enjoyed by all in Mesa, and to become part of everyone’s lives. We know that Charlie Black will find a spot in your heart. Ms. Quade really captured the essence of humor in this work!"   Quade’s 5-foot-long, 379-pound sculpture gave her an opportunity to create expression. She said the pig has an itch behind his ear, but he’s just too fat to scratch it. "I am very excited and thrilled that Charlie Black has found a good home in Mesa," Quade said. "I truly hope that everyone enjoys him as much as I did during his creation...and would someone please scratch that itch behind his ear!"   Big Charlie Black is currently slouching on the sidewalk in front of Milano Music Center, 38 W. Main St., and will remain there through at least April 7, which is the final day of the Sculptures In The Streets exhibit. Big Charlie Black’s exact location in Mesa after that is to be determined.   After Mesa’s Permanent Sculpture Panel approved the grant, the Barrette’s $25,000 purchase and subsequent donation was made to Ultimate Imaginations, Inc. (UII), the non-profit affiliate of Downtown Mesa Association, which coordinates the annual Sculptures In The Streets exhibits. UII will convey Big Charlie Black to the City of Mesa so it may formally join the other 26 sculptures in the community’s permanent collection. As with the other permanent sculptures, Big Charlie Black will receive a custom concrete base and handsome bronze plaque.   The 2005-2006 Sculptures In The Streets exhibit features 73 fine pieces on and around downtown Main Street between Country Club Drive and Mesa Drive. The sculptures, most of which are bronze and displayed outdoors, are by artists from across the country. All 43 of the sculptures on temporary exhibit are for sale. The remaining 30 pieces are part of Mesa’s permanent collection or on loan by private owners.   In addition to showing Big Charlie Black in the current Sculptures In The Streets exhibit, Quade’s work can be seen at the Heritage Gallery in Scottsdale. More information on Quade and her art is also posted at www.squlptures.com   For more information on Sculptures In The Streets, contact Dave Wilson at (480) 890-2613 or Dave@DowntownMesa.com.   ###

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