Acclaimed Sculptor Serena Bates to Unveil Public Bronze Monument of Marathon Legend ‘Tarzan’ Brown in Westerly

​WESTERLY, R.I. — Celebrating a major milestone in public art, award-winning sculptor Serena Bates invites the community to the formal dedication of her life-size bronze monument commemorating Olympic runner Ellison “Tarzan” Brown. The ceremony will take place this Saturday, June 13th, at 11:00 AM at the Westerly Train Station.

​Commissioned to honor one of Rhode Island’s most legendary athletic figures, the sculpture captures the spirit of Tarzan Brown, the elite Narragansett Indian runner who made history by winning the Boston Marathon in 1936 and 1939. Notably, it was Brown’s incredible surge past a competitor in the Newton hills that famously inspired the name “Heartbreak Hill.” The Town of Westerly will officially recognize the monument during Saturday’s dedication.

​”It is a profound honor to bring Tarzan Brown’s legacy to life in bronze,” says Bates. “Capturing his strength, his heritage, and his historic impact on the running world has been an incredibly moving journey.”

​The dedication marks the pinnacle of an exceptionally high-profile month for the artist. Bates was recently honored with the prestigious Award for Excellence at the New Haven Paint and Clay Club’s 125th Annual Art Exhibition, held at the Guilford Art Center. Additionally, she is currently concluding a prominent run as the Artist-in-Residence at the Mystic Seaport Museum, running through this weekend.

​Galleries and collectors interested in exploring more of Bates’ evocative work—spanning wildlife, figurative sculptures, and studio pieces—are encouraged to connect during this celebratory weekend of public events.