Mt. Washington HAS A NEW Point of View

Artist Jim West Creates An Impressive New Landmark For Our City & Scenic Byway

View Point
November 2006

Visitors to the western end of Grandview will now have a stunning new sight to see, thanks to local sculptor Jim West, whose monumental work entitled "Point of View'' was dedicated on October 25th, with much colorful fanfare. The large crowd lining Grandview Avenue didn't seem to mind the cold while awaiting the unveiling of West's impressive bronze sculpture. The monumental work depicts a meeting between George Washington and Seneca leader Guyasuta one night in 0ctober 1770, when these two - who'd first met as young men near what is now the Point, then fought on opposing sides of the French & Indian War - now found themselves 17 years later sitting in council along the Ohio River, revisiting their past, arguing the future and, ultimately, parting in friendship. Their actions had a pro- found impact on what Pittsburgh would become, on the fate of the area's original people, and on the country that would become America.

Likewise enduring the cold on unveiling day were 16 re-enactors clad in 18th century garb, some wearing knee breeches, waistcoats and tri-corn hats; others in breechclouts, leggings, moccasins and feathers - and one "brave woman'' snugly corseted in stays and stomacher. Their attendance was both surreal and fascinating, meant to show the contemporary crowd the kind of folks who were living in Pittsburgh in 1770; frontier militia and traders, Irish Garrison officers, land speculators, Presbyterian missionaries, a great number of indigenous people, including Seneca, and - very few white women. Also present was an honored leader of the Seneca, Warren Skye/Hoinjagwagohn, (translated "he owns his own earth"), who spoke in his original language to comment on the statues. A seven musket salute and cheers for "old Fort Pitt" signaled Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Seneca Paul Winney to pull back the draping to reveal West's stunning statues amidst the crowd's rousing applause.

District 2 Councilman Dan Deasy, said in his address: "This statue arose through a grassroots effort up here on Mt. Washington Duquesne Heights. The MWCDC working with the community and with the artist made this a reality, and at no added burden to the city or taxpayers. The artist donated the work to the city and City of Pittsburgh Public Works used recycled materials to create an attractive, low impact site requiring little maintenance. Yet, what's been achieved is a landmark addition to our Grand View PA Scenic Byway that promises to be a favorite visitor attraction for Pittsburgh."

The mayor officially made the statue dedication, thanked the Seneca visitors, then commended the artist and introduced him to the crowd. "Let us hope this sculpture will encourage us to always examine our History - and to practice tolerance and diplomacy among all kinds of people with differing points of view," the mayor said. Jim West then thanked his family, funders, MWCDC and the re-enactors, particularly those who modeled for him, including Paul Winney who posed for the features of Guyasuta.

Previous Board President and Gala organizer Lynne Squilla introduces Paul Winney who shared the contemporary Seneca perspective.

Departing Board President Lynne Squilla worked closely with West in all aspects of the statue's preparation. As she MC'd the event, she told the crowd "I watched this work evolve from a rough clay sketch to its present monumental bronze form over the past three years - helping Jim West consult with historians to learn the historical and material details.

Last week when the artist set the 750 pound figures into position, and we gazed at them for an instant before they went under wraps, I confess - they sent a chill down my spine. There is an energy there, in the space between the two men. That is where the story lies, that is where the questions of history swirl, and that is where both the tension and the reconciliation live."

The ceremony ended with onlookers staying to ask questions and take photos with re-enactors, the statue and artist Jim West. Squilla closed after thanking the Honor Guard and inviting everyone to purchase tickets and attend the evening celebration at LeMount Restaurant.

At the gala, guests mixed with the costumed re-enactors. Several Seneca wore modern dress with only a few appointments, such as the historic brass or silver gorget* around their neck. Andy Masich, president and CEO of Heinz History Center, wore his silver gorget - a replica of one from the "Clash of Empires" traveling exhibit - as he regaled attendees with details of George Washington's exploits in the Pittsburgh area. Alan Gutchess painted a picture of "Pittsburgh 1770,'' and Paul Winney and Warren Skye added the perspective of the contemporary Seneca, Jim West also spoke, expressing his thanks and his deep appreciation for all who contributed to the still and for the Seneca visitors traveling here from the Buffalo area to help unveil and dedicate the work.

Nearly 300 people attended and enjoyed the evening's festivities, including hors' d'oeuvres, open bar, historic rum punch and souvenir photo cards of the making of the statue. A few attendees who participated in the "Silent Auction'' were fortunate to take home a "souvenir" of Native American handmade period replica trade silver and baskets.

* A holdover from Medieval armor, the gorget denoted rank among European officers and native people admired them for that reason and for their attractive metallic shine.