The long-sought wolves from the Peter and Hanna Woike collection are now prowling about their new home at Wilmer Park, an addition to the playground that has transformed the public space into a kid-friendly destination spot for families.
The lifesize bronze sculptures by UK artist Sally Matthews are the 15th of 24 sculptures donated by the Woikes, managed by the Chestertown Public Arts Committee and placed throughout the community to “promote and implement the installation of artwork in public places for the enrichment of the community.”
“My work is in praise of animals, to remind us of our spiritual and physical need for them and the incalculable example their nature provides us with. Wolves are our evolutionary companions, but our power over their habitat and existence is too great,” Matthews wrote in 2021 about an installation of wolves she created for Grizedale, North West England.
For more about the Woike collection and the Chestertown Public Arts Commission, go here.
Ann Anderson says
We think they are scary and not in keeping with the kid friendly spirit you are trying to build in the park. 😑
Bob Moores says
We love the new wolves in our backyard!
Perfectly placed.
Thank you, Public Arts Commission!
Karen Mack says
Not all find the whimsy in these wolves. Especially now, stalking children seems a bit tone deaf.
Tess Jones says
My girls both LOVE them (ages 7 and 12) and we are so thankful to live in this wonderful community. What an incredible gift!!
Alexander Gilchrist says
Fantastic! These wonderful sculptures are stimulating thoughtful discussion between neighbors and parents and kids. Bravo!
Janice Dickson says
The artistic quality is unquestionably fine. The placement in Wilmer Park is naïve and could lead to a child approaching a wild animal, either on their own or at a parent pushing them forward for a snap shot. I’ve seen it too many times here in Colorado. Advocating familiarity or more could cause a great tragedy. Parents are sometimes stupid in trying to get a closeup with child and animal.
Ben Ford says
My 2 and a half year old loves them. He’s even got a favorite from amongst the pack. Every time we go there are kids and parents admiring them. Great job Chestertown!
Billie Carroll says
I am not a user of the park, but these stalking wolves seem sort of scary-looking for a park utilized by children,.particularly younger ones.
Are people of all age groups reviewing/approving the artwork being placed around town or is the town just “accepting” whatever the artist creates? Seems to me, several have evoked strong reactions. I can’t imagine parents of very young children would approve of this one. A playful group of foxes or raccoons would have been more in keeping with our native species.
Michelle Lapinski says
These are beautiful and seem so well placed in the small patch of woods, evocative of their native habitat. We last visited with our child and some friends who were visiting. The children ranged in ages from 4 to 9, and all delighted in the wolves, running to explore them. Each child named one of them.
I appreciate the concerns of others who have written in. It was not an issue for any of these children. They were enthralled, not scared. We also took the opportunity to teach the children about wolves, an animal they will likely never encounter.
These are stunning sculptures.