‘Let’s bring Arthur home.’ Fundraising close on new statue installation at library
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BLACKFOOT – A statue of a little boy wielding a sword is expected to greet visitors of the Blackfoot Public Library and City Hall later this year.
Daniel Borup, an art teacher at Shelley High School, created nine identical bronze statues titled “A Hero’s Journey.” One of them lives proudly at the Eaton Public Library in Colorado, and another is currently displayed at the CJ Art Gallery within the Candy Jar in Blackfoot.
Former Blackfoot Mayor Paul Loomis learned about the statue on display and suggested it be given a forever home in a public spot.
The library board saw the statue for themselves and lovingly called the boy Arthur because, under his arm, he held a book about knights and dragons.
“It really depicts that freedom of reading and imagination,” said former library director Lisa Harral.
After considering the location for Arthur, a statue committee was formed, and fundraising began. An informational packet was delivered to multiple local businesses. Over half of the funds have been raised, with about $19,000 left to raise. The goal is to begin installation in April or later when the ground is no longer frozen and a cement base can be poured.
“We’d love to have it up by the summertime,” said board member Cassie Black. “I have a May deadline to report back on how we use some grant money, so that’s the timeline right now.”
Over the last few months, Black has applied for various grants, including a downtown beautification grant through the City of Blackfoot and an Idaho Community Foundation Grant. Other donations have been made from $5 and up. Donors who give $100 or more will have their names inscribed on a plaque in front of the library and recognized on the library website and social media.
Harral said the board will plan an open house and ribbon cutting this summer.
Since Borup is a Bingham County resident, he also marked down the price of Arthur, which stands over seven feet tall. The statue received a first-place award at the 2023 Eastern Idaho State Fair.
“When we read, it is as if we each go on our own journey,” Borup said of his inspiration for Arthur. “Books are a quest, and we finish each one transformed.”
As he holds a wooden sword high, a paper hat on his head, and a cape around his shoulders, Arthur represents a literal call to adventure and the literary monomyth of heroic quest, which writer Joseph Campbell originated.
“I strive to make my work come to life,” Borup said. “I want my figures to look as if they feel emotion and could walk right off their pedestal.” Borup has sculptures across the country and multiple here in Idaho, including Meridian, St. Anthony, and Shelley.
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“His statue really is incredible, and you can see the emotion on the boy’s face. It just makes sense for it to be here at the library,” Harral said.
Others in the community have felt Arthur’s emotions and have offered to help with the cost. The Candy Jar has declined their percentage of the statue’s sale. Contractors have offered their assistance free of charge to put Arthur on his cement “throne.”
“We appreciate the help and any donations,” Harral said. “We are all excited. Let’s bring Arthur home.”
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