We are the artists who created and donated the 9` high sculpture in the Arts Center Sculpture Garden. It has come to our attention that a few Cedar Key citizens do not feel that the sculpture accurately depicts their concept of what a Cedar Key fisherman ought to look like and have been vocal in their public complaints. We would like to set the record straight. First of all, the models for this "Fisherman" were Charles "Moe" Beckham and Earl Brown, two of Cedar Key's "elder statesmen" when it comes to fishing. To our knowledge, they are happy with the Big Feller and even helped deliver him from our house to the Sculpture Garden site. They regularly check in on the progress being made on the sculpture and seem to be pleased with his progress.
Secondly, and most importantly, this sculpture was not meant to depict any of the several groups of fishermen/women who fish here - neither the net fisherman nor the sport fisherman. The Fisherman and his giant redfish were birthed in the imagination of the artists who created them. The sculptures aren't meant to be "serious art" with fancy schmancy descriptions. They are meant to make people smile as they pass by the Sculpture Garden. In case you haven't noticed, they are already an icon in Cedar Key and hundreds, if not thousands, of tourists have had their photo taken standing proudly in front of them and hundreds more have stopped to merely photograph them, even though they're obviously not yet completed. About 25 local residents have assisted in moving, lifting, cementing, tiling and painting these sculptures, and we look forward to even more participation from our friends and neighbors. Whatever else the citizens of Cedar Key might have heard or read about the Fisherman, he remains a purely artistic and imaginary creation of us, the artists, whose only goals were to be good citizens of our community and to bring a bit of happiness and humor to the people who see Red(the fish) and the Big Guy who has hooked him. We hope this clears the air a bit and those of you who thought this sculpture was supposed to be a perfect rendition of a Cedar Key fisherman will understand that he was never intended to be and will smile when you walk by him. Sincerely, Marsha & Chick Schwartz, the Sculpture Garden Fisherman's parents | 