Blackfoot Public Library looking to purchase bronze statue of young boy to welcome patrons

BLACKFOOT — The Blackfoot Public Library could soon have a new bronze statue of a little boy named Arthur to welcome local bookworms and library patrons.

The statue, named “A Hero’s Journey,” was created by Shelley artist Daniel Borup and is currently on display at the CJ Art Gallery within the Candy Jar on 105 NW Main St. in Blackfoot. The Blackfoot Public Library board is exploring options to purchase the statue and install it in front the library.

Borup characterizes this statue as a boy “acting out an imaginary adventure while surrounded by books. He has a wooden sword in his hand, a paper hat on his head, a cape around his shoulders and a book in his hand.” And, if you look closely at the book there is a dragon on the cover.

The statue received a blue ribbon at the 2023 Eastern Idaho State Fair at the Blackfoot Fairgrounds. Borup cast a limited edition of nine 7-foot-tall bronze statues. The first statue that has been purchased and installed is outside the Eaton Public Library in Eaton, Colorado.

The library board believes Arthur represents, “the magic of learning, the excitement of exploration and the adventure of reading.” To them, it is a perfect match with their belief, “in the magic of storytelling and the beauty of art for our community.”

Accordingly, the board has started a fundraising campaign to “Bring Arthur Home” and hope to have him in place by next spring.

The purchase price is $40,000, though the CJ Art Gallery, which has the piece on consignment, has waived their commission as their donation. This drops the price to $28,000. However, to install Arthur there will need to be a cement pad installed and some landscaping work done, which the board estimates will cost another $5,000 — unless there is another donor who wants to contribute the work or labor?

The board has also applied for two grants and are waiting to see if it will receive any assistance.

In the meantime, if you want to contribute to seeing Arthur as you enter the library – or at the City of Blackfoot offices – the board is accepting cash donations at the library, debit and credit card donations by calling them at 208-785-8628 and checks that are sent to PO Box 610, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221.