Sculptor Chosen For Emily Cheney Neville Project In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — The Manchester Sculpture Project has chosen Avon-based sculptor Susan Wakeen to design it's third entry into the community.

Wakeen was chosen for her "extensive artistry, with emphasis on female subjects, many of whom have won national awards."

Manchester author Emily Cheney Neville is the subject of the organization’s next project.

"The idea of having a female sculptor designing this particular artwork was thrilling to consider," project leader Lynn Sottile said.

Neville, the mother of five and a member of the well-known Cheney family, began her journey
as a writer once her children started school. Her wide variety of books were as broad as her
travels around the world, but her very first book, "It’s like this, Cat" won her the prestigious
Newbery Medal.

"For this and so many other reasons," the project committee chose Neville as
its third subject, Sottile said.

The intention is to place the sculpture in Center Memorial Park and it would be the first
sitting statue, so "the community can enjoy sitting on a bench and reading along with
Neville in this historic park," according to project officials.

The first two sculptures, that of famed runner Joe McCluskey on Highland Street and educator Elisabeth Bennet on Main Street, were created by New York based sculptor, Michael Keropian.

Fundraising for the Neville sculpture began with a successful Designer Bag Bingo in April, but
donations are welcome via the Manchester Historical Society, the
Project's fiduciary partner.