Artist Robert Indiana's sculpture, SEVEN (1980/2003), now not only marks the physical address of the Portland Museum of Art (PMA), 7 Congress Sq., but also represents the number of subcontractors who came together under the direction of Wright-Ryan Construction to help bring this iconic installation to the city.
Wright-Ryan was selected by the PMA to manage the construction activities required for the installation. A 36,000 pound base comprised of concrete and reinforcing steel was constructed to support the piece, which weighs 3,000 pounds. New electrical conduit was installed to feed eight accent lights anchored in precast blocks and embedded in the surrounding sidewalk masonry to illuminate the sculpture at night.
Indiana imagined SEVEN as part of a larger series of works - numerals zero through nine - in different sizes, with 8 x 8 x 4 feet as the largest in the series. The first group was produced in brightly colored aluminum in 1980 and was eventually donated to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. In the mid-1990s, Indiana reengaged a foundry to complete his numerals series, including the large-scale weathering-steel numerals.
All work was organized under very tight time constraints to meet the museum's deadline of unveiling the sculpture during Portland's November First Friday Art Walk. For the successful execution of the work Wright-Ryan partnered with B.H. Milliken Electrical Contractors, RH Contracting, Rocco Leo II and his son, Nick Leo, Hammond Lumber Company, R.J. Grondin & Sons, Jon Meade Design, and A.H. Harris Construction Supplies. Many of these partners provided labor, services, materials, or equipment donated at either discounted rates or at no cost to the PMA, with Wright-Ryan providing generous support through the donation of labor and construction management services as well.
The PMA presented Robert Indiana's SEVEN (1980/2003) to the public on November 7.
, during Portland's First Friday Art Walk. "With the installation of this sculpture on our front plaza, the PMA announces that this is and always will be a place for art," said Chief Curator Jessica May.
Wright-Ryan is committed to supporting institutions that contribute to the health and vibrancy of communities through direct financial contributions and through the donation of time by dedicated employees. The company is honored to be part of the team which helped make possible what is described in a statement from the museum as, "a monumental sculpture that will immediately become one of Portland's most famous landmarks."
Founded in 1984, and now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Wright-Ryan is one of Maine's leading construction firms, with expertise in commercial, institutional, and residential construction as well as high-end millwork and furniture. The firm employs more than seventy five highly skilled professionals and tradesmen. Wright-Ryan has successfully completed some of the most architecturally distinctive and challenging buildings in Maine.