Popular Sculpture, New Point of View

One of the most popular pieces of the New Bern Historical Society’s 100th Anniversary Exhibit, “Through the Looking Glass” at the North Carolina History Center was the “Drop Me a Line” sculpture featuring 100s of historic postcards suspended from an expansive wooden spiral. The postcards and much of the original exhibit have now been re-designed and are on public display at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront. But what about the spiral?

Artist Jay Manning has re-configured the sweeping piece and given it a different point of view. Where before the viewer was looking up through the array of postcards, the spiral is now an upright crescent. Manning used all the original pieces in this new design, including the wooden structure featuring six semi-transparent acrylic panels with images that convey a theme of transportation through the ages. So, we still have a view “Through the Looking Glass!”

Where is it? The New Bern Historical Society has sent it on permanent loan to CarolinaEast Medical Center. CarolinaEast has generously given this piece a new home in their wonderful collection of artworks. It can be found in the western lobby area of the Medical Center on public view.

“We are delighted to preserve this beautiful piece from our original exhibit,” said Executive Director Anthony Giardino. “Our donors and supporters can be assured that these exhibit items remain in our community for all to enjoy and have incorporated the talents of a local craftsman Jay Manning. We thank everyone that made this possible.”

The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore- Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.