An Artistic Collaboration and a Unique Fundraiser West Windsor Arts Pays Tribute to a Founding Member



(PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) — It’s the most wonderful time of the year to show appreciation for our most beloved community organizations and leaders. This year, West Windsor Arts is offering a creative new way to give back by auctioning off a very special sculpture as a tribute to one of its founding members, Dick Snedeker, who passed away in 2020.

“As a small, local nonprofit, we rely on the support of our community to keep our programs going and our initiatives alive. We are now accepting bids on a collaborative work of art by Dick and renowned Trenton-based artist Leon Rainbow,” explains Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. The two shared a passion for arts advocacy and community service.

The sculpture, called “Flight Plan,” was originally created by Snedeker, a Princeton graduate and master woodworker who worked for more than 40 years at Aeronautical Research Associates of Princeton (ARAP) and wrote the popular “Looking Back” column for the West Windsor Plainsboro Community News. Snedeker also served on several local boards and participated in significant ways on a number of key community initiatives.

Snedeker described “Flight Plan” as “a neo-plywood revival piece that spoke to mankind’s urgent desire for flight.” Often in motion himself, he constructed other large “Fabulous Forms” sculptures in his home woodshop for children to paint during free community arts festivals. Rainbow learned about Snedeker’s interactive works with community children several years ago.

“I was doing a mural at an event for West Windsor Arts, and there was an artist there building a sculpture that the kids were painting. I thought it was really cool,” recalls Rainbow.

While painting “Flight Plan,” Rainbow wanted to be sure that the sculpture was Snedeker’s vision, his piece. “He had used all of these really interesting shapes. Lately I have been playing with different textures and techniques and lighting effects, and I brought that to this work. The finished work is a true collaboration.”

In so many ways, the sculpture is more than a work of art; “it is a piece of West Windsor history,” adds Green. “I think it would look great in a lot of places, but it would best stand the test of time if displayed indoors in a foyer or lobby. You could also display it outdoors if longevity is not a concern.”

Bidding is now underway for the piece on the West Windsor Arts website. But the bidding closes on December 31 at 8:00pm , so Green suggests you don’t delay. If you would like to see the sculpture in person before you place a bid, you can visit the arts center during open hours. 

“Throughout the year, we offer as many ways as possible for people to support not only West Windsor Arts but also our local artists and community. We believe the arts should be for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to give the gift of art, you can also shop our Off the Wall Holiday Market.”

For more information or to bid on “Flight Plan,” click here.

The West Windsor Arts Council (952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction) offers art and cultural events, workshops, and classes for all ages and in all disciplines at West Windsor Arts and in the community.