New York professor wins New Bedford Melville statue contest

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The City of New Bedford announced the winner of its Herman Melville statue contest after considering 41 entries in the competition.

Sculptor and professor Stefanie Rocknak was named the winner with her entry “Melville and Jonah’s Journey,” “representing Melville’s own journey into and out of the whale. Yet, Melville rises above them, his mouth open, as though beginning to speak – to tell the story of Moby-Dick, this truth.”

Rocknak’s entry was chosen by a committee of artists and city planners, and the design was unveiled by New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and introduced the artist Friday at Seamen’s Bethel.

Her design is expected to be completed and installed in 12-15 months.

Rocknak is a professor of philosophy and chair at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.