Public Art ROCCI


"ROCCI"
Pronounced: "Rawshee"
Artist: David Clemons
Location: Police Station

Commissioned in 2000 for the new Coeur d'Alene Police Department building, 3818 E. Schreiber Way. The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission issued a call to artists for a piece of art that would be a visible landmark and represent a positive image of the caring relationship between the police and the community.

One of the first pieces of commissioned public art, "ROCCI"the eagle (an acronym for "Respect Our City, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho"), is mounted above the entry to the Police Station. The name for the art pieces was chosen from names submitted by area elementary school students. The winner of the "Name the Eagle" contest was Sorenson 5th grader, Casey Fehrnstrom.

"ROCCI" depicts an eagle in flight and is made of reinforced resin on a steel skeleton. The piece was designed, sculpted, molded, and painted by the artist, David Clemons, who explained his reasoning in choosing an eagle for the Police Department. "An eagle seemed appropriate. They have keen eyesight - we want vigilance. They react quickly and represent fidelity, nurturing, and caring. That's what a community is, and what a police department should secure." The eagle weights close to 400 pounds and boasts a 15-foot wingspan.

"ROCCI" was dedicated on October 23, 2000.