A Bronze Tribute to Edith Read

The Friends of the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary has entered into the fund-raising stage to put up a bronze bust of Mrs. Read in the eponymous nature park. A large bas-relief portrait of Read, who died in 2006 at age 102, was sculpted by Mike Karopian, a well-regarded New York artist. He followed suggestions from her family and friends. The work was done under the supervision of Bob Clyatt, the Rye sculptor. The work, which was in clay, is now in a resin format, and has been painted bronze to simulate the final piece.

The plan is to place the plaque on a large boulder in the Sanctuary near the headquarters building. A second plaque will contain information about Read’s life and conservation achievements. The park was named after her in recognition of her efforts to rescue the back section of what had been Playland, which led to the creation of this 170-acre space in 1985.

The Friends have contracted with the artists to pay $8,650 for the bust. Any additional sums raised will be used to place the boulder and create an area around it, which may contain benches and shrubs.

A fund-raiser, at which the plaque will be displayed, is planned at the home of Joyce and Paul Rheingold Sunday, June 14, 4-6 p.m. RSVP to 967-2215 or prheingold@aol.com. People or groups interested in making a contribution but unable to attend, should contact Paul Rheingold.