Noted Maryland Sculptor Chosen To Create Statue of Jim Henson and Kermit

COLLEGE PARK, Md. ¿ Jay Hall Carpenter, who has been creating publicly commissioned sculptures in the Washington area for more than two decades, will sculpt a statue of University of Maryland alumnus Jim Henson and his beloved creation Kermit for installation at the campus's Adele Stamp Student Union.

Photos of Mr. Carpenter and a model of the sculpture are available for download at: http://www.inform.umd.edu/nowandthen/news/henson/

The life-sized bronze sculpture will portray Henson and Kermit the Frog sitting on a park bench in conversation when it is installed in front of the Student Union in 2002. Landscaping for the sculpture site is the gift of the class of 1999.

Kermit is the most famous of the Muppetscreated by Henson. The Muppets influenced millions of young people all over the world through public television's educational Sesame Street show as well as TV specials and films for more than three decades before Henson's death in 1990 at age 54.

"This sculpture will capture the personality of both Jim Henson and his created partner Kermit," Carpenter explained. "Their whimsy and humor will be conveyed through the depiction of their light-hearted interaction."

Jane Henson, widow of the famed puppeteer, said, "I was very impressed with Jay Hall Carpenter's skill as a sculptor. His grasp of Jim's work and spirit makes him the ideal artist to create this statue of Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog. Jim loved attending the university, and it was clearly an important beginning for his extraordinary career. I am grateful that the students of the University of Maryland want to honor Jim this way. I know that Jim's family and associates join me in thanking the University for recognizing Jim as an outstanding alumnus."

"We are very excited to add the warmth, creativity and friendliness of Jim Henson to the Stamp Student Union," said James Osteen, director of the student union and campus programs. "From the newest student to the oldest alumnus, community members and visitors will appreciate the connection to a fellow Terp who accomplished so much and brought so much joy to the world." Henson, a native of College Park, began his career in 1954 as a freshman at the University of Maryland with his own puppet show, "Sam and Friends" on the local NBC affiliate. Kermit the Frog made his first appearance on that show.

Carpenter began creating sculptures for the Washington National Cathedral in 1976 and has since designed more than 500 of the permanent stone sculptures adorning the building, including gargoyles, grotesques and angels, as well as historical figures such as Saint Bernard Meziki and Bishop John Walker.

Carpenter also has sculpted for the Smithsonian Institution, the United States Military Academy and the Department of State. He has portrayed in sculpture such notables as Helen Hayes, Pat Carroll, Earl Tupper (inventor of Tupperware) and Frederick Douglass. The state of Maryland recently commissioned him to create an eight-foot bronze statue of the late Louis Goldstein, long time state treasurer.

Of the Henson project, Carpenter said, "I greatly admire his work, and this project offers me an opportunity to contribute to the lively cultural growth of the Washingtoarea and to inspire students by Jim Henson's example.

"But most important, it is a chance to honor an artist and performer who gave so much joy to both children and adults. Jim Henson left the world better than he found it. I can't think of a more fitting or delightful tribute to his memory."

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