The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Foundation has launched a new public art project at the Interpretive Center: a life-size statue of Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Renowned artist Joe Halko of Choteau, Montana created the clay model prior to his death in March 2009. It was Halko’s last project before he passed away. Halko is well-known for creating the Heritage Honkers geese sculpture at the Region Four Headquarters for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and for the CM Russell Museum’s Buffalo Hunt project.
The project was the idea of Dr. James and Carol Mungas, whose Newfoundland dog Windsor was a popular fixture with tourists during the Center’s early years. Windsor’s photos served as the model for the sculpture.
The Foundation is offering a smaller version of the Seaman statue in bronze on a maple base (shown above). The bronze measures approximately 10 inches high and 11 inches long. To order, or for more information call the Foundation office at 791-7733 or jrussell@lewisandclarkfoundation.org
Seaman was a Newfoundland, a huge, shaggy black dog bought by Lewis for $20, a large sum of money 200 years ago. He served as a good hunter and guard dog during the expedition.
Sales from the smaller bronzes will fund the large statue.
