Messenger

Abstract figurative sculpture holding a circular disc

Who made this? Sally Rogers (American, 1960)

When was this made? 1999

What is this made of? Stainless steel, cast glass, granite, architectural bronze

Dimensions: 90 x 96 x 48 in

Museum Purchase with Funds from the Florida Art in State Buildings Program


"“Messenger” was the first outdoor public piece I did and, in comparison to what I have made since then, it is a relatively small piece. I had found out about the application while participating at the Winter Park art fair. Somebody on the selection committee came by my display and asked if I had ever done large-scale public sculptures. At the time, I was doing pieces on pedestals that were a couple hundred pounds and around 4 feet tall.


I applied for, and was awarded the commission, and it was my first introduction to the whole procedure for public art, which I have now been doing for over 20 years. As a finalist in the competition, I was given the chance to visit the site where the sculpture would be located at the Appleton Museum. The piece was being commissioned in conjunction with the museum adding a new wing. I envisioned it as an abstract figurative piece: a figure holding a circular part, which is meant to represent the world of art. It is a piece welcoming people; the “Messenger” delivers a message of welcome to the new wing of the museum. When I do projects that every member of the public has access to, I am conscious that regardless of how it is funded, either by public funds or a private donation, it is my obligation to do something with an inclusive message. The message needs to be welcoming to all types of people, from those interested in art, to those who have never seen art before, or who are not really engaged in the arts.


I was given the commission in September/October 1998 and I installed it the following March/April. It was my first large outdoor sculpture, and because it was a state commission, I remember there being a lot of paperwork I needed to complete, all by pen and paper, as this predated computer-generated documentation. The experience taught me so many things about making artwork for the public realm: for example, you need different types of insurance beyond general commercial liability for the piece itself during fabrication, transportation and installation. Also, all art projects require a state licensed engineer to sign off either on the entire sculpture, but most times on the anchoring system. It actually was the Florida engineer I worked with who specified the base plate for the sculpture. There are some hidden anchors that go into concrete under the plate. He designed that, and it was submitted as part of the required documentation.


Creating the sculpture for the Appleton Museum was an interesting turning point for me because it took the nominal idea at the back of my mind of “One day I would like to do a public piece” into actualization. I have obviously learned so much more since then, but that was a great gift to me because it moved me forward into that aspect of my art life. I like making public sculptures because I feel they have more impact and permanence than other pieces I have made."

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