| A few days after the gala premiere of the documentary "Kosciuszko: Poland Will Yet Dance Again" we have received a unique parcel from Tennessee. It contained a gift from an outstanding American sculptor, Tracy Sugg, donated to "Kosciuszko Heritage". Please read an amazing story how "The Spirit of Polonia" has found it's new home in Australia.TRACY SUGG writes: Hello, Ernestyna and Felix, Kosciuszko Heritage. I have finally mailed what I have wanted to send to you since earlier this summer. However, as we have been reconstructing my studio, I have just now gotten time to package and mail "The Spirit of Polonia" to you!
This gift comes with a story. When I created the "Spirit of Polonia" sculpture exhibit that celebrated some of the notable Poles throughout history for New York City, I wanted to also create a combination painting/high relief sculpture that personified "Polonia".
I painted oil on raw silk and researched the history of Poland - you will find many symbols of Poland's history - important dates, the national emblem and anthem, important sites, and of course our beloved hero Kosciuszko! etc. The center figure is a high relief sculpture of 'Polonia' sword in one hand and a victory wreath in the other - showing her determination throughout history that has awarded her the victory.
I have had this piece displayed in my studio, and earlier this year, I was thinking about it, and the exhibit, and felt that the Lord was wanting me to give this beautiful artwork to someone. So I started praying for Him to guide me and show me who. Shortly afterwards, I got your FB message! As I looked over your "Kosciuszko Heritage" and continued in email conversations with you both, I knew that God had answered my prayer and that He wanted the "Kosciuszko Heritage" in Australia to have this piece! I pray that you all would be blessed by it! It gives me great joy to give it to you!
I have also included five exhibition catalogues of "The Spirit of Polonia" and trust you will enjoy those as well. You can also view "The Spirit of Polonia" on my website
Now from the sublime to the (quasi) ridiculous - I need to explain how it was packaged. This is another story - - I have four wonderful children and my youngest recently turned thirteen. My older three children all pitched in to get him a 'dream come true' gift (one they also had wanted soooooo badly when they were all younger) and bought him the huge LEGO set - The death star from Star Wars - - this box happened to be the perfect size to send "The Spirit of Polonia" in!
So, Ernestyna - I hope you (and those at Kosciuszko Heritage) aren't too disappointed when you receive this Lego box - and discover it has artwork instead of legos in it! It is packaged as a box within a box. As you can tell from the photo, the raised arm of "The Spirit of Polonia" had to be protected (even though my postman stamped 'fragile' all over the box, I have my doubts about the possible treatment of this package between myself and you all!)
So I wrapped the artwork in linen cloth and cut plywood to reinforce the area of the box where the raised arm is. I have bradded the wood to the box itself (please notice where these brads are in the photos and be very careful when you unpack the artwork) thick plastic and packing air pockets were used to fill in the voids. So, I pray and trust that the "Spirit of Polonia" arrives safe and sound!
My husband Robert has coined the phrase "Beauty strengthens the Soul" and I pray that the "Spirit of Polonia" will be a rich source of beauty to your Kosciuszko Heritage and one that invites viewers to reflect on the great history of Poland and the part played in that history by Tadeusz Kosciuszko!
Tracy H. Sugg
Dear Tracy, Dear Robert with Philip, Colt, Robert and Crimson Rose. All of us at Kosciuszko Heritage are overwhelmed. We thank you so much for the gift...so nicely packed. It arrived safely and in one piece, long live the American and Australian Post!
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