Arts Advocates announced that sculptor Frank Colson’s wife, Diana, and son, Sean, have gifted the organization with a 12-inch bronze sculpture of “Spirit of the American Doughboy.” The statue, which is a replica of the life-size sculpture Colson was commissioned to create for Rev. J.D. Hamel Park in downtown Sarasota, is now on exhibit in the Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Mall, 3501 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. The gallery will have special hours from 2-4pm on Veteran’s Day, Thursday, November 11, to honor both this gift and veterans. 

The memorial statue of a World War I American soldier – a “doughboy” – is one of the most reproduced life-size sculptures in the United States. Its original sculptor was Ernest Moore “Dick” Viquesney (1876-1946), who created it in 1920. Often referred to as simply the doughboy statue, its proper name is “Spirit of the American Doughboy.” According to doughboysearcher.com, “While [Viquesney] wanted to depict an American soldier in battle, he didn’t want to depict excessive might or power … Instead, he wanted to depict the ‘spirit’ of the American doughboy's determination to preserve freedom for their country and mankind.” 

Arts Advocates will add “Spirit of the American Doughboy” to its current exhibit of Sarasota Art Colony artists. Regular gallery hours are every Saturday from 2-5pm Docent-guided gallery tours are offered the first Wednesday of every month at 11am; reservations for tours are required. To register for gallery tours, and learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.