New Public Art Unveiled at the Fire Hall's Pocket Park

Artist Jeffrey Dean unveils a new brass etching sculpture titled Nor'easter in the pocket park next to Homer's Fire Hall.

On Friday, May 17, artist Jeffrey Dean of Creative Fires Studio in Homer unveiled a new piece of public art in the pocket park next to the Homer Volunteer Fire Department.

Artist Jeffrey Dean stands next to Nor'easter, a brass engraving art piece he crafted for the Fire Hall pocket park.

The piece, entitled Nor’easter, is a maritime-themed stainless steel engraving depicting a man rowing into an ocean swell.  The red cedar frame and timber posts supporting the engraving echoes the Fire Hall’s second story siding.  While visible as you pass by on Pioneer Avenue, or make your way up to Homer High School, placement of the artwork in the pocket park also encourages the public to step into the park for a closer look at the etching’s varied textures that give the piece its sense of movement and character.

The art was commissioned as part of the City’s 1% for Art Program, in which 1% of capital construction or renovation costs of public buildings is set aside for acquisition and permanent installation of artwork.  The Homer Volunteer Fire Department recently underwent extensive renovation, making it eligible for the program.

Artist Jeffrey Dean was selected by the City’s Art Selection Committee after a call for proposals.  Mr. Dean worked with the committee and members of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department to finalize the placement and design of the artwork.