I think the RVA 100 series on Richmond icons is a fantastic initiative. However, Jeff Shapiro's article, "Connecticut statue started as a gimmick for baseball," about the "Connecticut" statue at The Diamond, was disappointing.
The story missed many nuances and the actual significance of the statue. The reporting felt sloppy, including a misspelling of master sculptor Paul DiPasquale's name — though a correction was later printed — and it didn't quite address the real depth of the story.
The statue wasn't a gimmick nor created for the ballpark. Connecticut began as a tribute to Native Americans, first displayed at Best Products in Washington, D.C., after its original installation site fell through. When Best Products donated its art collection to VMFA, the statue was returned to DiPasquale. Sydney and Frances Lewis suggested The Diamond as a new home, and Connecticut became a symbol for the Richmond Braves and a valued piece of public art.
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Initially on loan, Connecticut was later bought by supporters and gifted to the Richmond Metropolitan Authority. After 25 years at The Diamond, it was sold, eventually finding a new home atop the Lucky Strike building, overlooking the James River, with an installation celebrated by a powwow and blessing by Chief Don Chapman.
The implication that the statue's removal was due to sensitivities over Indigenous representations is unfounded. In fact, it was the developer and current owner of the sculpture, who wanted it down due to new construction next to and in front of his building. Furthermore, DiPasquale's other works, such as the Arthur Ashe statue on Monument Avenue and "The Headman" on Brown's Island, have fascinating histories and would make great additions to the RVA 100 series.
DiPasquale's public art deserves recognition for its cultural value, and Richmond should celebrate his contributions to the city and Virginia. M. Christine Watson.
Richmond.
