7th October 2024
Leader of Inverness and Area Councillor Ian Brown has recently accepted a sculpture designed by art students of Inverness, Florida USA which celebrates the Sister Cities status of Inverness - Florida and Inverness - Scotland.
Cllr Brown said: "I am delighted to accept this sculpture which has been gifted to the City of Inverness under the ownership of the Inverness Common Good Fund and curatorship of The Highland Council. It demonstrates the ‘Sister City' relationship between the two cities which signifies a bond of friendship between the two cities. I welcome and thank Paul Saviskas who safely delivered the sculpture to Inverness in the Highlands."
At a meeting of The City of Inverness Florida Government on 3rd September, the City Council commended Artist Paul Saviskas and student ambassadors from the Lecanto School of the Arts who designed the "Sister Cities – Lakes to Lochs" sculpture. The City Council said:
"These dedicated artists shared their time and talent during and after class time for over 2 years working on the sculpture. The design incorporates cultural and geographic similarities, symbols of flora and fauna that both cities take pride in, from the blue water lakes of Inverness, Florida to the legendary Loch Ness Monster of Loch Ness in Inverness, Scotland.
“The plants springing up from the earth, the ring of water surrounding both communities, and the crosses representing the flags of each country and State, linked together to symbolize friendship and community spirit. The City of Inverness extends its gratitude for their remarkable commitment and support."
The Sister Cities Charter was awarded by the President of the Town Affiliation Association of the United States under Sisters Cities International: “... to the citizens of Inverness, Scotland in recognition of their contribution to international understanding demonstrated by their community affiliation with Inverness, Florida, USA."
PHOTO
Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness Area (left) receives the Sister Cities Students' Sculpture from Artist Paul Saviskas at Inverness Town House