County staff, members of the Art in Public Places (APP) Board and members of the community turned out for the dedication ceremoney for the artwork ‘Denizens of the Deep’ Thursday at the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center. The artwork, created by local artist Richard Swenson, features sea creatures forged out of discarded machinery parts. Swenson donated the pieces to the aquatic center. From left: APP Board Vice Chair Jeremy Smith, former APP Board Chair Steve Foltyn, Artist Richard Swenson, APP Board Chair Susie Schillaci, County Council Chair David Izraelevitz and APP Board Member Britton Donharl. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Artist Richard Swenson, left, and Council Chair David Izraelevitz speak during the dedication ceremony. Izraelevitz recalled how Swenson provided a tour of his home and studio to Izraelevitz and Izraelevitz’s son. Izraelevitz thanked Swenson for his generousity, not only to the County but to him personally. Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

‘Denizens of the Deep’ adorn the walls in the aquatic center. The creator of the work, Richard Swenson, explained what a few of the sea creatures were made from. For instance, the whale is made from a potatoe harvester. Several other marine animals are made from automatic transmission parts; the sea  turtle was created from a motor that cuts hay and the octopus is made from parts of a milking machine. ‘I try to make animals that represent Mother Nature,’ Swenson said. He added, ‘I’m just delighted to be able to put these figures on the wall.’ Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com