Monuments

 
 

Dick Idol has created some of the largest, most dramatic and complex bronze monuments in North America. As a master sculptor, his work has become internationally known for its portrayal of dramatic action, true to life gestures, stunning anatomical correctness and an overall bronze presentation unmatched in today’s art world. Perhaps his most profound contribution to the bronze monument world is what Dick has coined “Interactive Bronze Monuments” whereby numerous sensory elements are incorporated for maximum viewer interaction. The judicious use of water and lighting features above and below the water line, audio, artificial and natural stonescapes and other features all add up to maximum “WOW” power.

 

“Wild Band of Razorbacks”

University of Arkansas

In early 2014, Master sculptor Dick Idol was commissioned to create a signature piece of art to honor one of the most recognizable mascots and universities in the country. In November 2018, the project was completed and dedicated at the Arkansas/LSU football game.

The monument funds, $2M, were donated by Jerry and Gene Jones family, owner of the NFL Dallas Cowboys and former player on the 1964 National Championship football team.

The monument was created in honor of that team and stands as a tribute to the history and tradition of the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas.

Monument Statistics:

  • Monument is incorporated within the football stadiums north end-zone complex

  • The Monument consists of six bronze Razorbacks, with each hog containing approximately 2,000 pounds of bronze and ranging in size from 8 to 11 feet in length and up to 9 foot in height

  • The Monument’s footprint is 50 feet square and reaches up to 25 feet in height

  • At all times there is 13,000 gallons of water maintained within the system

  • 2,000 gallons are circulating continuously  through nearly ¼ mile of plumbing

  • 45 LED color changing fixtures above and below water levels, all computerized for various light and water “shows”.   Capable of synchronization on game days to integrate game events such as touchdowns to an appropriate “response” on the Monument

  • Nearly 200 feet of black granite used on the walls of the vanishing pools and pedestal

  • Over 7,000 pounds of clay used for sculpting

  • More than 500 individual molds for casting the six hogs in bronze

  • Great example of Interactive Monument

 
 

"Wolfpack Turf"

North Carolina State University

  • Located in front of Carter-Finley football Stadium at NC State University, Raleigh, NC

  • 6 Wolves, each 2 times life-size, about the size of a horse, all on a 33 foot tall stone mountain designed by Dick

  • Dramatic water, lighting and audio effects

  • Turn- key fund raising program designed for NC State to raise funds via sales of bronze and resin replicas, which are still sold todayProject Cost: $ 2M

    An excellent example of the "Interactive Bronze Monument Concept" where the exhibition of six wolves has been incorporated with other special effects and features. 

    A seventh wolf, titled “Fury” was created and placed on the football field where players enter. Individual bronze wolves from Wolfpack Turf were placed at the three main entrances to the stadium and at numerous locations on and around campus.

 
 
 

"Dancing Whitetails"

Anadarko Oil and Petroleum World Headquarters, Houston, Texas

Interactive Monument

  • 8 Whitetails, 2 times life-size, ranging from 8 to 15 feet tall individually

  • Situated in 400 feet of man-made streams with dramatic underwater lighting effects

  • Three vignettes including "Monarch's Challenge", "Monarch's Pursuit", and "Monarch's Touch"

A dramatic sculpture of eight whitetail deer that are situated in moving water with 400 feet of man-made streams.  "Interactive effects" including water dripping from lifted hooves, jet sprays of water suggesting the splashes of running deer, and underwater lighting beneath moving surface water creating a "dancing of light"(hence the “Dancing Whitetails title) movement across the sculptures which  have been combined to create one of the most dramatic wildlife monuments today.

Monarch’s Challenge

Monarch’s Challenge

Monarch’s Pursuit

Monarch’s Pursuit

Monarch’s Touch

Monarch’s Touch

 
 
 
 

“Dream Buck”

Bass Pro Museum, Springfield MO

Commissioned by Johnny Morris, Owner, Bass Pro Shops

  • Single whitetail buck

  • Four-times life size, 26 feet tall, 12 foot antler spread, 15,000 pounds

  • Located on the American National Fish and Wildlife Museum and Bass Pro’s flagship store site in Springfield, MO

Perhaps the largest single bronze mammal ever created in the U.S. utilizing the traditional lost wax casting method.  With matching drop tines, tremendous time lengths, massive beams, and all the character in the world, this is a buck of which legends are born.

 
 

"Autumn Legends"

Located in front of Cabela's Super Store in Owatonna, Minnesota

  • Commissioned by Dick and Jim Cabela 

  • Three times life-size, 25 feet tall, 16,000 pounds

  • 2nd largest tourist attraction in MN

  • Six million visitors per year since installation

This magnificent bronze sculpture represents two of the biggest white-tailed deer ever recorded in a dramatic, deep descending "S" composition design.  The lead buck's antlers are a replica of sheds found in central Nebraska in 1959 and measure 218 2/8 net typical points(new world record). The rear buck's antlers have been replicated from the No. 1 South Dakota non-typical Whitetail taken in 1949, measuring an amazing 256 1/8 inches. They exemplify the variety and unique characteristics found among whitetails.

 
 

“John Thomas”

Founder of Thomasville, N.C.Downtown, Thomasville, N.C.

The city of Thomasville, N.C. commissioned Dick to create a figure monument of John Warwick Thomas, founder of the City of Thomasville., N.C. With mediocre reference material to work with (John Thomas died in 1871), Dick created a 10 foot tall  bronze monument, exclusive of the base that still today sits at the very heart of Thomasville.

 
 
 
 

“Spirit of the Falcon”

Green Hope High School - Cary, North Carolina

Green Hope High School in Cary, N.C.  commissioned Dick to do a 2 x Life-size Falcon, which is the mascot for the school.  The bronze falcon overlooks the outdoor student gathering area. The bronze is approximately 70” tall and has an 80” wingspan.

 
 
 
 

“Autumn Ritual”

1 ¼ Life-size Whitetail Deer
8.75 feet long x 3.5 feet wide, 800 pounds
~Price Upon Request~

 
 

“Switchback”

Running Whitetail – Monument size
1 ½ Life-size   
7 ½ feet tall x 7 feet long
~Price Upon Request~