New Chesney Art Works Added to Farmington Hills Collection

Two new sculptures by Edward Chesney have been added to the collection of over 70 works of art featured at , located on Eleven Mile and Orchard Lake Roads.

According to a city press release, “The Price of Freedom,” an emotional interpretation of a dying soldier being held by an angel, had personal significance for the artist. The artist's son, Dean Chesney, said the sculpture depicts his deceased father’s memory of his own grueling experience in World War II, where he served as a tank commander in the Marines, and was present at the beach landing, invasion, and raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima.

“The timing of this new sculpture placement close to July 4th is perfect,” said Dean Chesney. “My father felt that we all need to understand that freedom is not free; it’s been earned by the hard-fought battles and sacrifices made by many.”

“The Price of Freedom” was one of Edward Chesney’s last works.  The dog tags worn by the soldier in the artwork are copies of his own and provide further evidence of the personal connection he had to the piece.  The sculpture is a bronze maquette of the full-size version, which now stands in the Washtenaw National Cemetery in Ann Arbor.

The second new piece by Edward Chesney is “River Fisherman,” another small bronze sculpture depicting a man in a rowboat fighting turbulent waters as he leans over to make a catch. The tumult of the water and the movement of the fisherman demonstrate Chesney’s superior skill in bringing action to his work. Chesney has several other pieces in the current City Hall collection; for more information on his work, visit venturesmith.com.

View all the art on display at City Hall during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit includes a wide array of artwork from 38 artists in many styles and media including photography, paintings, fiber, wood, glass, clay, and metals.