Ellicottville to host statue installation reception Thursday before gazebo performance
Published June 2024 by The Salamanca Press
ELLICOTTVILLE — One of the most prominent women in NASA will grace Ellicottville with her presence this summer.
Thanks to a partnership between the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce and Griffis Sculpture Park, a 10-foot-tall bronze statue of Tracy Caldwell Dyson will be installed on the Village Gazebo lawn Thursday. It will remain on display for all to enjoy until the fall.
Dyson is an American chemist and astronaut recognized for her groundbreaking research into molecular-level surface reactivity.
“We’ve worked with Griffis Sculpture Park the past few years to bring an inspirational statue to the four corners of Ellicottville,” said Brian McFadden, Executive Director of the Ellicottville chamber. “With most of Ellicottville’s business owners or co-owners being women, we wanted to keep with the theme of showcasing a female role model. The Tracy Dyson sculpture is a fitting tribute to the accomplishments that women have made.”
In 2021, Griffis Sculpture Park received four bronze statues of inspirational women created by Australian collaborative artists Gillie and Marc Schattner. The 10-foot-tall bronze sculptures of Gabby Douglas (Olympic gymnast), Tracy Dyson (astronaut), Janet Mock (actress/producer) and Cheryl Strayed (author) were donated to the Ashford Hollow Foundation/Griffis Sculpture Park by the artists.
Ellicottville has thus far featured two of the four — the Strayed and Douglas sculptures — and will now feature Dyson as the third.
A special reception celebrating the statue's installation will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at the gazebo. The public is encouraged to attend. The reception will be followed by the kickoff of the 2024 Gazebo Series featuring a live performance by acoustic duo Tory & Joe.
Tory & Joe are excited to bring a soulful commingling of smooth sounds from 1970s classic folk/rock and R&B to today’s hits for this year’s first Gazebo Series performance. Joe Mombrea (vocals and guitar) and Tory Arena (vocals) have been sharing their talents in the area with various bands such as JJ Swing, Showbiz Kids and Thurman Bros as well as performing their own take on an array of classics, providing the ultimate chill vibe for your listening pleasure.
The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of the Gazebo Series, sponsored by Niagara Label Company, which invites the community out to the gazebo every Thursday evening for free, live entertainment. A popular celebration on the summer events list, the Ellicottville Gazebo Series attracts families to gather. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, your frosty beverages and a snack and enjoy a different musical act each week from 7-9 p.m.
