LINCOLN, MA – A longtime and much-loved installation at deCordova Sculpture Park and Art Museum will be departing in October. Sculptor DeWitt Godfrey’s Lincoln, a large, low-lying horizontal sculpture made of 80 steel cylinders that appear to cascade down the hill will be de-installed and repurposed for future installations at similar sculpture parks and gardens in the United States.

“Lincoln is one of the best examples of site-specific sculpture I can think of, and for me as for so many visitors, its presence such a big part of my experience at deCordova. It’s completely amazing to me that when the curators commissioned that work, it was intended for just a two- or three-year installation,” says Jessica May, deCordova’s Artistic Director. “What a gift that we have been able to enjoy it for such a good long stretch. I will really miss this work.”

Installed in 2012, Lincoln has been a part of deCordova’s front lawn for more than 10 years. Godfrey has said that the concept of the sculpture was to mimic the gentle curves of deCordova’s landscape. The sculpture also allows visitors to pass through it to see what is on the other side. The sculpture was created on site and at more than 150 feet long is one of the largest ever shown at the Sculpture Park and is Godfrey’s most expansive work to date.

When first installed, deCordova had a short-term agreement with Godfrey about how long the installation would be on the grounds. That agreement was extended many times over the years.

deCordova has two events planned as part of the farewell to Lincoln. At 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, Chief Curator Sarah Montross will present a Spotlight Tour on Lincoln. Spotlight Tours offer a deep dive discussion on a specific sculpture for which the presenter has a strong connection.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, deCordova will celebrate Member’s Day, which will include an Artist Talk with Godfrey, ARTfull Explorations for children and grownups, a Curatorial Tour, an Artisans Market with Merrimack Valley Black and Brown Voices, a Photo Booth, and discounts at the Museum Store for Trustees members.

Godfrey is a large-scale sculptor working in Hamilton, NY.  His work employs carefully conceived structural processes, combining cutting edge digital technologies with custom craftsmanship, all grounded in empirical knowledge and experimentation. Natural geometries and systems – plant spores, seashells, honeycombs – inspire his sculptures.