Falling Meteor No. 2

Falling Meteor II – 1976, Painted Steel, Height 14’, Width 15’-3”, Depth 3’-10”

Jerry Peart, Winslow High School Class of 1966 (1948-)

Created and presented to the people of Winslow in 1976

WHS Class of 1966

Jerry Peart discovered his passion for art while painting model cars. As his skills developed, he experimented with bright colors and creative patterns. In 1966, he was invited to enroll in the University of Arizona’s Bachelor of Arts program, which provided the foundation for his lifetime of creating and selling sculptures and, eventually, large-scale public art.

He continued his education at Southern Illinois University, earning a Master of Fine Arts. During this period (the early 1970s), his interest in large abstract sculptures accelerated as he immersed himself in the Chicago cityscape and creative community to emerge as a leading proponent and producer of public art. Along the way, he founded the Sedgwick Studio with Paul Slepak and Tom Scarff, where they led the large-scale public art movement for decades.

The sculpture you are looking at was a gift from Jerry’s parents to his hometown of Winslow. It is one of his earlier (and smaller) public projects. The Meteor Crater site west of Winslow inspired his inspiration for Falling Meteor II.

Driven by the belief that: “The artist not only has to provide an answer, but must also pose the question,” Jerry created over thirty-five large-scale sculptures as well as many smaller sculptures in museums and private collections throughout the world. He is retired and spends his time in the countryside. His legacy continues as the Sedgwick Studio goes on as the home of large-scale sculpture and incubator for emerging artists.