You are reading

Artwork Paying Tribute to Trade Workers Goes Up in Socrates Sculpture Park

Muscle Memory (Photo: Local 3 I.B.E.W.)

Dec. 10, 2019 By Kristen Torres

A new sculpture unveiled at Socrates Sculptural Park in Long Island City highlights the importance of trade workers through a one-of-its-kind lighting structure.

The sculpture, entitled “Muscle Memory,” was created by trade workers from the Workers Art Coalition (WAC), members of the Local 3 I.B.E.W and students from SUNY’s Empire State Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies.

The groups used materials that trade workers typically come across in their line of work, such as electrical equipment and solar panels.

Muscle Memory at night (Photo: Local 3, I.B.E.W.)

“The sculpture is truly a collaborative process that reflects tradespersons’ skills and equipment as well as the modern urban landscape that is always in the background,” according to a representative of Local 3 I.B.E.W. in a statement.

A sound component for the structure was also created in tandem with the Library of Congress, which will play interviews given by Local 3 members.

At night, the sculpture will be lit up by two solar panels installed by the electricians and graduates of the School of Labor Studies.

“It feels good to design, collaborate and participate in something…that shines light on a particularly interesting group of people and workers who are constantly underappreciated and misunderstood,” said Paul Vance, a member of Local 3 and WAC, in a statement.

“Muscle Memory” will be available for view at the park — located at 32-01 Vernon Boulevard — until March 2020.

Muscle Memory being installed at park (Photo: Local 3, I.B.E.W.)

email the author: [email protected]

2 Comments

Click for Comments 
Polis

Why not have the piece find a home in a university or museum?
The mechanics library on W. 44 Street might like to exhibit this.
Too many young people head for universities as a default, when they’d find real work and professional satisfaction in the skilled trades. Graduation rates are poor, indebtedness high for too many. Intriguing object

Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

“New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” with Matt Koff

Dec. 6, 2023 by Jill Carvajal

The “New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” competition recently celebrated its 15th year as part of the annual New York Comedy Festival both founded by Caroline Hirsch of Caroline’s on Broadway. New York’s Funniest and previous winners have gone on to become some of the biggest names in comedy.

Buy ‘Made in Queens’ this holiday season

Dec. 1, 2023 By Tammy Scileppi

Seems as if the holiday season is coming upon us quicker than ever! And if you’re running out of thoughtful ideas for gifts and stocking stuffers, here are some tempting offerings, courtesy of those innovative Made in Queens (MiQ) folks.