Unique Art
Installation is Also Educational Opportunity
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Hyde Park, NY – A 12-foot sculpture of an Atlantic sturgeon made of used cutlery was
unveiled at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park on May 13. “Old Diamondsides” was created
by artist John F. Sendelbach from more than 1,700
salvaged forks, spoons, and knives. The hand-blown glass eyes were made by
artist Jeremy Sinkus.
The Atlantic sturgeon is considered one of the most
important species of fish in the Hudson River, which borders the CIA campus, and was a major economic engine
of the Hudson Valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The “diamondsides” nickname comes from the shape of its scales.
Joining the artists and CIA faculty for the unveiling was Stephen Stanne, estuary education coordinator at the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, who shared some history of the
sturgeon in the Hudson Valley, how it neared extinction, and is now on the
rebound.
“As a college, we feel it’s important to not only educate
our students and the community about the history of indigenous foods of the
region, but to also support programs that work to raise awareness of efforts to
preserve the Hudson River and its life,” said CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan. “The
sturgeon’s historical struggle for survival here echoes the endangerment of
sturgeon around the globe.”
Through overfishing, pollution, and the building of dams
that cut them off from their spawning grounds, the sturgeon population had reached
a critical low point. Today, the fish are closely monitored and the state and
federal government are working together to reestablish healthy numbers in the
United States.
Photo Captions and Hi-Res Images:
Photo 1 (top photo): As President Tim Ryan of The Culinary Institute of America watches, CIA Chef
Gregory Zifchak (in window) reels in the cover to
unveil “Old Diamondsides” sculpture. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
Photo 2: CIA
President Tim Ryan and artist John F. Sendelbach admire new art installation at The Culinary Institute of America. Made from
salvaged knives, forks, and spoons, “Old Diamondsides”
honors the Atlantic sturgeon, one of the Hudson River's most important fish. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
Photo 3: Detail
of “Old Diamondsides” art installation unveiled at
The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY on May 13, 2015. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier
culinary college. Dedicated to driving leadership development for the
foodservice and hospitality industry, the independent, not-for-profit CIA
offers associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts;
bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food
studies; and executive education through its Food Business School. Its
conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the
food industry in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, world
cuisines & cultures, and professional excellence & innovation. The
college also offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and
enthusiasts. Its worldwide network of 48,000 alumni includes leaders in every
area of foodservice and hospitality. The CIA has campuses in New York,
California, Texas, and Singapore.
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