Frank Zappa statue to be dedicated in September
The Frank Zappa statue will be dedicated Sept. 18 in its new home outside the Southeast Anchor Library in Highlandtown, officials said today.
The decision to erect the bust outside the library has generated buzz from neighborhood residents and local Zappa fans, according to Roswell Encina, spokesman for the Enoch Pratt library system.
"You can't imagine all the attention the library is getting," Encina said. "People are very interested that it's coming. We couldn't think of a better place for it."
When the Highlandtown branch of the library learned it would be the site for the statue, it stocked up on Zappa books and music, Encina said ...
Several sites were considered for the statue, including Fells Point and Mount Vernon. Highlandtown was chosen because of its high volume of foot traffic and Zappa's affinity for libraries. His mother, Rose Marie, was a librarian, and his widow, Gail, lobbied to have the bust placed near a city library.
Valued at about $50,000, the 15-odd foot statue was donated to the city from a Lithuanian fan club in 2008.
"It's been a long time coming," Encina said. "We couldn't think of a better place for it."
In anticipation of the statue's arrival, the library stocked up on several Zappa DVDs, according to branch manager Cindy Kleback. They have been checked out at a higher rate than most DVDs, she said. Books and other Zappa-related materials could follow in the coming months.
"The DVDs are very popular," she said. "He was a very visual artist."
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
I still say it should sit in front of Penn station in place of male/female (either that or truckasaurus)
Posted by: Evan | April 30, 2010 12:47 PM
I second that. How many people besides those who live in Highlandtown are actually going to see it? Highlandtown, while it has come a long way, isn't exactly a destination for tourists or locals from other areas of the city either.
Posted by: Dave the wave | April 30, 2010 12:57 PM
As a Zappa fan and Lithuanian Baltimore resident, I was hoping it would be placed in an area with more foot traffic. That said, I'm happy the city found a place for it at all after all the bickering from neighborhood associations etc.
Posted by: Eric L | April 30, 2010 1:08 PM
I wish they would put it in front of my house.
Posted by: Tony Ravioli | April 30, 2010 1:16 PM
Don't even get me started on that Penn Station atrocity. It is the worst piece of so-called art I've ever seen. I wish lightning would strike it.
Posted by: Nancy | April 30, 2010 1:33 PM
Frank was a genius. He is missed. I hope to be there for the dedication.
Posted by: Joes Garage | April 30, 2010 1:39 PM
I agree about putting it somewhere in the City where more people will see it. On its own, I am not sure if it is a big enough draw to get people to Highlandtown...somewhere around the harbor would have been better - maybe near Pier 6 since it is music related.
Frank was an innovator - died way too young.
Posted by: Gina | April 30, 2010 6:23 PM
I think it is a wonderful idea to have Frank's head eternally in front of the Highlandtown library, now if we can only get John Waters head immortalized somewhere in Baltimore, and let's not wait until he is laid to rest.
Posted by: Greg G | April 30, 2010 7:16 PM
I will absolutely be there... if only someone would tell us when. The article doesn't say. Noon? 2pm? 4am? As much as I like Zappa and Highlandtown (my mom lived in the 3400 block of East Pratt Street) I don't think I want to spend the whole day hanging around waiting for this.
Posted by: Gary | April 30, 2010 9:08 PM
Someone should apply for a grant, start a museum, artspace, bar/restaurant/hotel, and make it into a tourist attraction.
John Waters Film Institue, Frank Z fanshrine, the Visionary Arts Museum, we'll have the Lithuanian tourism market cornered in no time!
What the city needs to do is connect the dots between these disparate arts institutions - The Senator, The Charles, the VAM, MICA, Poe, Mencken. A pattern of greatness but no one is presenting a common archetype that links it all together.
Posted by: Mike | April 30, 2010 9:56 PM
It needs to be put in a place where it can be seen by the public and remain fairly safe from theft and pranksters. It will be watched at the library. I want to stop by and tweak its nose for good luck.
Posted by: nobull | May 1, 2010 7:41 AM
It amazes me how people continue to complain about the Penn Station sculpture. Move on and find something to be happy about and quit wallowing in your own personal misery.
Posted by: Lois | May 1, 2010 9:24 AM
"Don't get no ... upon that sofa" as only
Frank could utter, was among the many
Zappa gems. What they call a truly
ttransformative personality or just a plain iold icon, Frank s songs were the soundtrack for tons of peoples lives. A fitting tribute for the man.
Posted by: Dynamo Hum | May 2, 2010 11:38 AM
What's the ugliest
Part of your body?
Some say your nose
Some say your toes
But I think it's
YOUR MIND
- Frank Zappa
Posted by: zappatista | May 5, 2010 12:04 AM
I'm happy to have Frank grace our neighborhood. The library sits on the border of Highlandtown, Canton, and Brewers Hill (all Highlandtown when I was a kid). I think Frank would approve being in front of a library. Since other areas/neighborhoods (Fells Point, Inner Harbor, etc. etc.) rejected the bust, I think it's great that it will be in a place that is a truer reflection of Bawlmer.
Posted by: Yukon Zeke | May 11, 2010 6:57 PM
Gary, dedication will start at 2PM on Sunday, and at 3PM -free concert by Zappa son I hope to be there too :)
Posted by: romart | September 15, 2010 9:51 AM