Celebrating the moment of installation of Olympus.Within in the new Museum space. In such a uniquely shaped space, I could only hope that it fit! I titled the monument, Olympus Within, because I know inside each of us there is the dream of excellence -- We may not all be Olympians -- but we can climb our own, internal, Mt. Olympus. Photo by Bill Baum/USOPM
UPDATE ON THE NEWEST INSTALLATION!
My sculpture Olympus Within is placed at entry to the stunning new Olympic and Paralympic Museum, designed by McArthur Award-winning Architect, Liz Diller (of Diller Scofidio + Renfro). Diller said her design was evoked by the ‘movement and grace’ of the Olympic Discus thrower.
Exterior view to the Museum designed to explore stories of all modern Olympians and Paralympians. Olympus Within is the first experience for the viewer upon entry. It is humbling and inspiring to be part of this effort.
It’s exhilarating to create artwork that is bigger than oneself. In this case a humbling task – to inspire all visitors to the Museum. Fun! Photo by Bill Baum/USOPM
Celebrating Olympus Within
I was selected to create a monumental art piece to stand inside the entrance to the new U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Several weeks ago, I delivered and oversaw the placement of the finished piece, “Olympus Within.”
The 60,000-square-foot interactive museum at the base of the Rocky Mountains is dedicated to telling the stories of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and is touted as one of the world’s most accessible museums for people with disabilities. I am included in the museum’s database of nearly 13,000 athletes who have competed for Team USA in the Olympics or Paralympics since 1896.
The small models I created to prepare for the large scale monument. I wanted the raw and bold energy of human movement and endeavor. Photo by Beth Schlanker, Santa Rosa Press Democrat
“In “Olympus Within” Peter Schifrin has produced an iconic work that evokes the strength, dedication and resolve of an Olympic competitor, in a way that is both rare and inspiring.”
USOP Hall of Fame inductee
Putting finishing touches on the large-scale clay prototype, prior to molding and bronze casting.
Expert fabrication and welding of Olympus Within at Artworks Foundry, Berkeley, CA.
“Schifrin’s sculpture located at the entrance of the new US Olympic and Paralympic Museum is a perfect way to set the tone in preparation for the visitor’s journey. Peter did a masterful job of creating a figure that exemplifies the power and intention of the athlete, while also conveying the beauty and glory of the human form. Olympians and Paralympians everywhere can take pride in how Peter has represented us…”
USOP Hall of Fame inductee