HADDONFIELD, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A South Jersey town's reputation as a center for art grew a little this week, as a new statue was established for all to see in downtown Haddonfield.
A life-sized bronze ballerina now adorns the roundabout where Haddon Avenue and Ellis Street intersect. The figure is on a two-year loan from its sculptor, Barry Woods Johnston, who created it in Italy but brought it up from his home in Baltimore.
He said the work represents freedom, as he sees it.
"Freedom needs to have discipline and limits and so of course, even though there's a tremendous energy in this piece, it is structured and it's in the confines of reality," he said.
But he welcomes different interpretations. It is art, after all.
The Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust has been at work for six years and owns two of the 11 statues currently scattered throughout the town.
As for why this piece is in this location, Chairman Stuart Harting said, "We've selected the site here at the entrance to Haddonfield at the 'Haddonfield welcomes you' sign so as people come into town, they realize that Haddonfield isn't just a historic town, but it's a town that celebrates the arts."
More than 20 statues have adorned the streets off and on. They're an attraction for shoppers and art lovers alike — not to mention a point of pride for those who call this town home.
