William
Gray, a local artist, presented two wooden carvings of a Braves head to the
Kirbyville R-VI school board at the February board meeting. The statues were
created from a white pine planted on the grounds of Kirbyville Elementary in
memory of former Kirbyville student, Rene Smith, in 1995. One of the sculptures will be presented to
her family and the other will be on display in the school district.
The
tree succumbed to its natural life expectancy and a disease known as White Pine
Decline last school year. After consulting with a Missouri conservation agent,
the district learned that the tree would have to come down. To provide a
continued remembrance, a pink dogwood, native to Missouri, was planted in its
place.
However,
the memorial tree contained two final gifts. Portions of the tree were reserved
and the pieces were placed in Gray’s creative hands. Through his artistry and
vision, the Kirbyville mascot was revealed.
Gray
explained, “I start with a master idea of the final piece, but the grain of the
wood or flaws can dictate how the final product looks. I try to use the flaws
in the wood to make the piece unique or give it character.”
White
pine is not a typical medium for carving, but because of the significance of
the tree, Gray was willing to give it a try.
He found that the material was fairly easy to work with even though it
splintered some. He was able to work with this characteristic to enhance the
final product. He also found that there was a lot of sap in the wood, creating
another challenge.
“I
try not to look at the negative characteristics of the material, but how I can
work with it,” he added.
Gray, who has two children who currently attend
Kirbyville Elementary, stated, “It was gratifying. I was given a gift and I
want to use it to benefit others to give back. Even though I don’t know the
family personally, we are all part of the community and we are all connected. I
can empathize with the family’s loss and the value of the sculpture. I was honored
to have the opportunity to be a part of this.”
Carless
Osbourn, superintendent, said, “The
district is extremely honored to receive these magnificent and beautiful
sculptures that have significant meaning in the Kirbyville School District and
community. Words can not express our sincerest gratitude and thanks to
Mr. Gray for these gifts.”
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