Coleman’s Memorial Park Art Installation
A new public sculpture has arisen in Lebanon, PA — bringing with it a new opportunity for artistic expression and social interpretation in a treasured part of town. Jared Odrick’s organization THRESHOLD has formed a special partnership with the City of Lebanon, Coleman Memorial Park Board, and the School District of Lebanon to place a large-scale outdoor sculpture within the historic Coleman Memorial Park, enriching this treasured community space with the graceful lines and powerful presence of abstracted human forms in bronze.
The 12-foot tall bronze sculpture, created by Colorado-based artist Lorri Acott, features two abstracted but universally relatable human figures; making it a compelling work of art that intends to inspire, educate and enrich the lives of the greater Lebanon community and visitors for years to come. The work is installed at 1400 West Maple Street in Coleman Park, Lebanon, PA (by the basketball and tennis courts at the Horace Brock Mansion site).
The commission of the sculpture was supported by City officials and Park Board members, who are excited to enliven the park with engaging fine art for the first time in years. The presence of the new sculpture represents the Coleman family’s longstanding vision of art in the park, finally coming to life after the family’s estate was first donated to the city. Prior to becoming a park, the estate housed two prominent sculptures — one inside a garden that was said to resemble a Coleman child who passed away and another consisting of Egyptian symbolism which existed inside the homestead Mansion and was commissioned by the Coleman family — but was removed when the mansions were demolished nearly 80 years ago.
This project demonstrates Lebanon’s commitment to long-term arts initiatives in the city, advancing a creative and hopeful vision for the future. The commissioned sculpture will help to reinvigorate a lesser-traveled portion of the park that is currently undergoing its own renovation to the existing basketball court.
Odrick’s donation represents a larger drive to further the presence of fine art in the community and give back to his hometown, especially the youth who he hopes will benefit from time in the park as he did when growing up in Lebanon. Odrick grew up in and around Coleman Park, attending their summer Adventure Camp hosted by the local YMCA.
Odrick initially left Lebanon in 2006 to play football at Penn State University under Joe Paterno, was drafted to the Miami Dolphins in 2010, and later signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since moving on from football in 2017, he has focused on the development of THRESHOLD, a production company that hosts numerous creative art and film initiatives including a documentary, cannabis advocacy, and custom apparel. THRESHOLD seeks to support the growth of small businesses and the arts in Odrick’s hometown and beyond.
