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American sculptor Tony Smith designed “Tau” in the early 1960s. It is 14’ high x 12’ wide x 12’ deep, and made from black painted steel. “Tau” (AP) is one of two extant versions of the large sculpture. This version was fabricated at the Lippincott Foundry in 2005. The piece is located in Smith’s hometown of South Orange, New Jersey.

Historical information
The Lennie Pierro Memorial Arts Foundation, based in South Orange, launched the effort to fabricate and install “Tau” in 2002. Jane Smith, the artist’s widow, donated the rights to fabricate the sculpture. Working in partnership with the local Board of Trustees, the Foundation hired landscape architect Ann Kearsley to develop a plan for situating and installing the sculpture in town. Kearsley’s 2003 proposal depicted the sculpture in the heart of the town’s commercial district, near the train station and the performing arts center, which was also in development at the time.

The public-private partnership between the Tony Smith Sculpture Project and the township of South Orange turned sour in 2006 when some area residents raised concerns about allocating public funds to support fabricating, installing, and maintaining the sculpture. They argued that tax dollars would be better spent on other projects. Debates about using public funds for art are common throughout US history.

As a result of heated local controversy over funding for “Tau”, the Tony Smith Sculpture Project ended its partnership with the township of South Orange. Working in collaboration with the Pierro Foundation, the Tony Smith Sculpture Project hosted benefit events and other fundraisers to cover the cost of fabrication, and they identified a new site for the sculpture – one that would be less expensive to ready for installation. Kearsley drafted a new plan for installing the sculpture in Meadowland Park, in a field near a pond, and within walking distance of the town’s commercial district.

In November 2008, “Tau” was installed at Meadowland Park. On April 18, 2009, supporters of the Tony Smith Sculpture project gathered to dedicate the sculpture. Smith’s daughters, Kiki Smith and Seton Smith, as well as renowned curator Robert Storr, also attended the event.