Charles Parks Sculpture

Tribute to Charles Parks

Sculptor's collection to be preserved by state of Delaware

A large collection of bronze and fiberglass sculptures by Wilmington artist Charles C. Parks will go to the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs for display at Delaware public buildings.

An announcement that the state will accept close to 300 statues, as well as artists' tools and photographs of the artworks, will be made today at an afternoon tea given by Gov. Jack Markell and his wife, Carla.

The 89-year-old Parks will attend the tribute with his wife, Inge, and friends such as June Peterson, former state Rep. Jane Maroney and Stephen Mockbee.

"That these works will stay in Delaware is very exciting," said Markell. "Charles Parks has been an incredibly important part of our state."

Many of the artworks are life-size or miniature fiberglass models, the originals having been sold to patrons in bronze. Other models in the collection were never sold. Most show Parks' realistic bent and his attention to three-dimensional detail.

"Charles Parks is a Delaware treasure and this is the largest contribution from a major Delaware artist that the state has ever accepted," said Jeff Bullock, secretary of state.

Parks is probably the sculptor whose work is seen most often around the state, having been commissioned by individuals, governments and nonprofits, Markell said.

Markell, who hosted a similar tea for the painter Ed Loper, said it's important to hold up artists, scientists and other achievers so students can be inspired to develop their abilities.

"We want our kids to be inspired by all kinds of people," Markell said.

Parks worked in Delaware for close to 55 years and is now retired, suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He moved to Delaware when he was 18 months old.

It wasn't long before he fell in love with the Brandywine, where, as a successful artist, he's kept a studio with a dramatic river overlook. There he sculpted clay and fiberglass models and his wife handled the business.

Parks said he was proud to be a realist even when it fell out of fashion because of modernism. He enjoyed portraying people in the midst of everyday life, saying it is in the everyday that spirituality is found.