An original bronze sculpture by artist Walter L. Palmer was installed on the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus today, Thursday, April 9, in front of William Randall Library. Irwin "Ike" Belk donated the sculpture, a whimsical rendition of a pelican reading a book while seated on a bench. Belk, one of the university's most generous supporters, established a distinguished professorship in nursing in April 2008. Belk's contributions to UNC Wilmington include Belk Hall, a women's residence hall named for his mother, Mary Lenora Irwin Belk, and Bryan Auditorium in Morton Hall. He has also commissioned a Seahawk statue that will be installed on campus later this year.
Palmer, of Key West, Fla., has created sculptures for the Westin Resort and the Marriot Resort at Hilton Head, S.C., the Federal Reserve in Charlotte, N.C., the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla., and many other corporate and private collections. More information about the artist is available at http://www.walterpalmersculptor.com/.
Interviews are available with participating parties upon request.
Media contact:
Joy Davis, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.916.8603 or davisjc@uncw.edu
