A 14-Foot Brook Trout Sculpture Named “Chance” Makes Waves Across Maine
ELLSWORTH, Maine—A towering 14-foot fiberglass sculpture of a brook trout, aptly named “Chance,” is capturing teh attention of locals and travelers alike. Created by Brooksville native and artist Joe Rizzo, this stunning piece is more than just a work of art—it’s a traveling exhibit and an educational tool designed to inspire and connect people with the natural world.
rizzo, an avid outdoorsman, crafted “Chance” using automotive paint, giving the sculpture a lifelike sheen that reflects his deep recognition for nature. “I am an outdoorsman,and,you know,bringing beauty to the natural world in the form of a 14-foot brook trout is kind of unique,” Rizzo shared. “When I create thes big pieces, I actually create this moment for a family for a memory.When you watch a whole family stand around and take a photo together, it becomes a pinnacle moment on their vacation. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to create that moment for families.”
The sculpture has already made stops at notable locations,including the Bangor Public Library and is currently on display outside NAPA Auto Parts on Downeast Highway in Ellsworth. But “Chance” is far from stationary. After its stay in Ellsworth, the sculpture will travel to Machias, followed by Massachusetts and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
Rizzo’s vision for “Chance” extends beyond aesthetics. He hopes the sculpture will serve as a conversation starter about conservation and the beauty of Maine’s natural heritage. “This is not just a fish sculpture,” Rizzo emphasized. “It’s a traveling exhibit and an educational tool.”
For those who encounter “Chance” during its journey, Rizzo encourages them to stop, take a photo, and create a lasting memory. If you’re interested in bringing “Chance” to your event, you can reach out to Rizzo via email at [email protected].
To explore more of Joe Rizzo’s captivating artwork, click here.
| Key Details About “Chance” |
|——————————–|
| Artist | Joe Rizzo |
| Material | Fiberglass with automotive paint |
| Height | 14 feet |
| Current Location | NAPA Auto Parts,Ellsworth,Maine |
| Upcoming Stops | Machias,Massachusetts,Mohegan Sun,Connecticut |
| Purpose | Traveling exhibit,educational tool,and family photo opportunity |
Whether you’re a local or a traveler passing through,“Chance” offers a unique opportunity to pause,reflect,and celebrate the beauty of the natural world. Don’t miss your chance to experience this remarkable piece of art in person!
Artist Joe Rizzo on His 14-Foot Brook Trout Sculpture “Chance”: A Traveling Exhibit Celebrating Nature and Conservation
Table of Contents
In this exclusive interview, Sarah Thompson, Senior Editor of World-Today-News, sits down with renowned artist and conservation advocate Joe Rizzo to discuss his latest masterpiece, “Chance”—a 14-foot brook trout sculpture that’s making waves across Maine. This stunning piece of art, crafted with automotive paint and fiberglass, is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a traveling exhibit and educational tool designed to inspire a deeper connection with teh natural world.
The Inspiration Behind “Chance”
Sarah Thompson: Joe,thank you for joining us today.“Chance” is truly a remarkable piece. Can you tell us what inspired you to create a 14-foot brook trout sculpture?
joe Rizzo: Absolutely, Sarah. As an avid outdoorsman, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for nature, especially the brook trout, which is such an iconic species here in Maine.I wanted to bring the beauty of the natural world into the public eye in a way that was both striking and memorable. “Chance” is my way of celebrating Maine’s natural heritage and inspiring others to do the same.
the Artistic Process
Sarah Thompson: The lifelike sheen of the sculpture is amazing. Can you walk us through the materials and techniques you used to achieve such a realistic effect?
Joe Rizzo: Sure! “Chance” is made from fiberglass, which provides a durable and lightweight base. I used automotive paint to give it that lifelike shimmer, mimicking the reflective quality of a real brook trout’s scales. It’s a meticulous process, but the result is a piece that truly captures the essence of the fish and the natural environment it inhabits.
Creating Memorable Moments
sarah Thompson: You’ve mentioned that “Chance” is designed to create moments for families. Can you elaborate on how this sculpture becomes part of people’s memories?
Joe Rizzo: Of course. One of my favorite things about creating large-scale sculptures is the way they bring people together. Seeing families gather around “Chance,” take photos, and share in the experience is incredibly rewarding. It becomes a highlight of their trip or vacation—a moment they’ll cherish and remember for years to come. That’s the power of art; it creates connections and lasting memories.
Conservation and Education
Sarah Thompson: Beyond its aesthetic appeal,“Chance” also serves an educational purpose. How does it spark conversations about conservation?
Joe Rizzo: “Chance” is more than just a sculpture; it’s a conversation starter.When people see this larger-than-life brook trout,they naturally start talking about the importance of preserving our natural ecosystems. It’s a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our environment and the need to protect it. I hope it inspires people to take action and become stewards of nature.
Traveling Across the Northeast
Sarah Thompson: “Chance” has already made stops at several locations in Maine and is set to travel to Massachusetts and Connecticut. What’s the ultimate goal for this traveling exhibit?
Joe Rizzo: The goal is to bring “Chance” to as many communities as possible, spreading awareness and appreciation for Maine’s natural heritage along the way. Each stop is an chance to engage with new audiences, share the story behind the sculpture, and inspire a deeper connection with the environment. It’s a journey that I hope will leave a lasting impact wherever it goes.
Inviting “Chance” to Your Event
Sarah Thompson: For those interested in hosting “Chance” at their event, how can they get in touch with you?
Joe Rizzo: I’d love to hear from anyone who’s interested in bringing “Chance” to their community or event. They can reach out to me via email at [email protected]. Let’s work together to create memorable experiences and celebrate the beauty of nature.
Exploring More of Joe rizzo’s Art
Sarah Thompson: For our readers who want to see more of your work, where can they go?
Joe Rizzo: They can explore my portfolio at Fine Art America, where I showcase a variety of pieces inspired by the natural world.There’s something there for everyone who shares a love for art and nature.
Conclusion
joe Rizzo’s “Chance” is more than just a sculpture; it’s a celebration of nature,a catalyst for conservation,and a creator of cherished memories. As it continues its journey across the Northeast,this 14-foot brook trout serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and importance of our natural world.Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable piece of art in person and be part of its inspiring story.