Nancy has been in Costa Rica for several weeks, and last week she went to Puntarenas to photograph the installed pieces and to deliver some photos to Officer Nils Rosales. During the two weeks of the symposium, Nils was on site much of the time, keeping a watchful eye on things and making friends with the sculptors. He took a personal interest in everything and everybody there.
According to Nancy, his interest in the project continues to this day. He told her that he recently apprehended some local kids who were planning to graffiti the sculptures and throw muck on them. He trotted them off to jail to send a message that vandalism of the art work will NOT be tolerated, at least not on his watch.
He was so taken with the whole symposium that he's learning to carve stone himself. One of the missions of the symposium was to bring the process of stone carving to people who wouldn't otherwise experience it in the hopes that they too, would be inspired. It would seem like we succeeded on that front.
Muchas gracias to Officer Nils, and best of luck with your carving!
