Goldy

“Welcome to the Valley Humane Society!”  All visitors to the Society at 3670 Nevada Street are greeted by a 3’4” tall. 4’8” wide, 4” wide fishbone cutout cat sculpture at the front door.  “Goldy” is made of Cor-ten steel, a corrosive resistant alloy steel with tensile strength. It was originally developed in the 1930s to help build coal wagons for the railroad and was later patented by US Steel as Cor-Ten. The Massachusetts artist Dale Rogers favors Cor-Ten because the rich brown patina formed by oxidation rust seals over time offering a thought-provoking work that is sophisticated and yet sometimes whimsical. Dale’s concept idea of a sculpture evolves from idea to sketch, to transference via 3-D software to an image laser cut into workable welding pieces. It is a six-month process from concept to completion.

Even though cats are not known to love rain, moisture will only contribute to Goldy’s beautiful brown patina. Her welcoming “meow” reminds all who enter the Valley Humane Society adoption program of cats and dogs.

Donated by the Harrington Art Partnership (H.A.P.P.Y) in 2015 and installed in 2016, Goldy reminds all to believe in the power of pets to inspire, comfort, teach, heal, and unify.  

Jan Coleman-Knight