This "Carousel Hero" statue was marked by a small sign that read:

Carousel Hero
Bronze
1996
James Lee Hansen
American, 1925-
Collection of the Artist

A second sign was present. This second sign read:

James Lee Hansen
Carousel hero (Equestrian Series)
1996
Bronze
Collection of the artist

This exhibit is part of the ongoing OREGON ARTISTS SERIES and the efforts of the Oregon Artists Series Foundation, Salem Conference Center, and The City of Salem to display artwork by Northwest artists in public areas throughout our capital city.

This Carousel Hero statue was an abstract man atop an abstract horse. The title suggests this is a carousel, but the fact that it is part of the Equestrian Series suggests it may represent an actual horse.

The base of the sculpture was a box. The top of the box was shiny because of puddled rain.

A close up of where the man and horse and base all came together.

The man's cape is flying backward because of the speed of the horse. Again suggesting this is a real horse and not a much slower carousel animal.

A side view of the entire statue sans its box base. The rain clouds reflected in the Convention Center windows add to whatever feelings this statue generates within you.