‘Whale’s Tail’ will be benefit to island


To the editor:

I’m writing in strong support for the installation of the proposed “Whale’s Tail” sculpture at East Ferry.

With the town council’s acceptance of the piece July 8, the question remains where to place this gift of a superb outdoor sculpture by a renowned Jamestown artist, wholly funded by generous Jamestown residents. Here are a few considerations: n Several of the complaints submitted to the ad hoc committee, and one offered at Monday’s hearing, say whales are never seen in Narragansett Bay and therefore inappropriate for a Jamestown-sited sculpture. However, in the last five years alone, there have been numerous sightings of whales in the bay, including three humpbacks — one a 50-footer — and several smaller beluga whales. Also, the Narragansett Indians were known to practice small-scale whaling. n The further answer to “Why a whale?” is simple — it’s the artist’s inspiring representation of a healthy ocean, a concept all Jamestowners can support, given threats to our seas from climate change, acidification, the profusion of plastics and overfishing. n So why East Ferry? Because it’s the center of town. Even during the winter, tourists and residents could appreciate the beauty and power of the sculpture. More importantly, just envision a group of Jamestown fourth-graders, sitting under the tail, hearing a history teacher relate the rich story of whaling in southeastern New England, or a science teacher telling them about conservation of whales today.

As a lifelong Jamestowner, I ask the ad hoc committee and council approve the East Ferry site, not because the donors have requested it, but as a location that will greatly benefit all residents and visitors alike to our wonderful island.

Stuart C. Ross

East Shore Road