The Synapse Sustainability Trust is currently working in conjunction with “Duke” Epolito, artist of “Waiting for the Night Train”; a collection of six adult statues, two children and a set of luggage that first appeared in 1981 on the platform of the former Mail and Freight Depot. The train trestle that up until a few weeks ago were home to the statues is in need of a restoration. The trestle is falling apart with chunks of the trestle overhead falling and platform beneath caving in. The statues were getting damaged due to the lack of coverage and getting hit by falling debris.
The Synapse Sustainability Trust as part of a larger project will be fundraising to repair the statues and when returned to the platform have them protected from falling debris. The poetry contest is designed to speak about the positive changes that have transformed the Syracuse Community over the last 30 years, the length of time the Statues have watched Syracuse. These poems will put words into the mouths of the Statues.
Synapse Sustainability Trust in partnership with Community Poet, Georgia A. Popoff is introducing the first annual poetry contest, Syracuse: Standing Witness – Standing Proud. Poems must be received by March 30th, 2011; winners will be announced April 28th at an award ceremony.
Poetry winners will be selected by a panel of professional poets and a mix of celebrity judges. Final judging to be completed by Georgia A. Popoff and Quarysh Ali Lansana. There is a free submission for children and an adult submission with an entry fee of $5 per poem. Adult contest 1st Prize is $250. Poems must be focused on the positive change over the last 30 years in the Syracuse area. For official entry form and contest rules please go to www.synapsesustainabilitytrust.org
Synapse Sustainability Trust’s “Eastern Gateway Revitalization” campaign has already raised $250,000 and aims to raise an additional $350,000 as match to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the Eastern Gateway into Downtown Syracuse. This entrance sees over 110,000 vehicles passing it daily and is in deplorable condition with overgrowth and trash.
For more information or to sponsor a statue please contact the Synapse Sustainability Trust at 315-477- 9749. To learn what the Statues are up to visit them on Facebook at I690Commuter, “White Statues” and on Twitter at I690Statues.
“Syracuse : Standing Witness – Standing Proud” Poetry Contest Registration Form "
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