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Photograph by Phil Mansfield/CIA
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Where in the Valley…?
You readers reeled in one big fish! Standing at 12 feet, the Atlantic sturgeon sculpture at the CIA in Hyde Park was unveiled in May of this year. “Old Diamondsides,” as it’s referred to around campus, was created by Massachusetts-based artist John F. Sendelbach from more than 1,700 salvaged forks, spoons, and knives, while the hand-blown glass eyes were created by artist Jeremy Sinkus.
The Atlantic sturgeon is considered one of the most important species of fish in the Hudson River: a giant fish in a pretty big pond… or should we say, estuary. In fact, the sturgeon was so important to our fair Valley that, during the 1800s and early 1900s, it was commonly referred to as “Albany Beef,” and FDR even commissioned a mural of three fishermen netting a sturgeon for the Hyde Park Post Office.
The mighty Atlantic sturgeon can grow to 14 feet, weigh up to 800 pounds, and has a lifespan of about 60 years. Because they are so commercially valuable (folks love their eggs for caviar, and they make for a tasty smoked-fish dinner), in 2012, the Atlantic sturgeon was listed as an endangered species.
Congratulations to Camille Fischer for being the first to correctly identify this sculpture. Click here to identify the location of a spooky resting place.
This sculpture just drew our attention as we visited with our granddaughters from Idaho (ages 12 and 16). We showed them the Hudson Valley and a potential school to think about attending. We are always drawn to anything FISH (our last name, so to speak!).
Camille Fischer
New Paltz
I saw this fabulous sculpture as I was on my way in to the CIA to meet a colleague at the Apple Pie Bakery Café. I had to stop and admire how cool it was, and then noticed it was made of silverware! Awesome!
Mary Babcock
Hyde Park
I worked on a Hudson River grant when I was teaching and helped tag sturgeon — a beautiful species. I remember seeing this sculpture at the CIA when having a special dinner with my wife.
Robert Riemer
Amenia
I love going to the CIA (sometimes I even order the fish!).
Karen Koziol
Orangeburg
I just had lunch a couple weeks ago at the CIA’s Apple Pie Bakery Café — delicious, fabulous service, and elegantly simple.
Anne Kennedy
Montgomery
This extraordinary artist designed a beautiful metal landscape of NYC for my home. He is amazing. The sculpture is a beautiful homage to a beautiful creature in a beautiful location. Well done!
Rosemarie Cresswell
New York
I saw this sculpture during a visit to the CIA for dinner at their pop-up restaurant, Pangea. Gorgeous sculpture, amazing food, and a beautiful location on a bluff overlooking the Hudson.
Anthony Savarese
Salisbury Mills
