Albert Einstein Hanging Out at The Village Walk in Montgomery

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted August 15, 2024

During the construction of the Village Walk at Montgomery, developer Vince Pugliese had contacted artist Gary Lee Price and commissioned the “Einstein Bench” bronze sculpture.

Brett Pugliese, vice president of Pugliese Properties, told The Montgomery News, “We felt it was a perfect fit to incorporate into what we are creating at the Village Walk at Montgomery. “It has provided interaction and entertainment for the community. Kids are often seen sitting next to Einstein, and people are seen taking pictures, and just enjoying this piece of art.”

“EINSTEIN BENCH.” Artist: Gary Lee Price. Medium: Bronze. Dimensions: 52"h x 70"w. Location: Montgomery Walk in Skillman, off Route 206.

The bronze sculpture is part of Gary Lee Price’s "Great Contributor" series. It depicts Einstein seated on a bench. The figure is in a relaxed pose, with both arms resting along the back of the bench, while his legs are crossed at the ankle.

The sculpture includes fine details that give texture to the figure’s clothing and capture the likeness and expression of the individual, with a slightly tousled hairstyle and a thoughtful expression on his face. The bench itself is also part of the sculpture, featuring ornate armrests and wood plank patterns. The bronze material offers a timeless quality and the sculpture exudes a sense of peaceful contemplation.

Price said, “Other than Einstein’s eccentricities and ability to think outside of the box, his quote that has won great favor with me for many years is, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’

“I kept thinking to myself that I must memorialize a guy that had such vision.

“I have always been excited by the sheer visual richness of Einstein; his hair, facial features and casual attire. I wanted to portray this in a very approachable, inviting, ‘come have a chat with a genius,’ kind of gesture.

“In studying Einstein’s life, I was equally impressed with his efforts and desire to create a world of peace and understanding in spite of the horrendous happenings of his era.”

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Thousands of Gary Lee Price sculptures are in collections worldwide. The Great Contributor Series includes about 20 pieces. Included are: Shakespeare, The Wright Brothers, Mother Teresa, Amelia Earhart, Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Butch Cassidy, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin.

Price lives in Buckeye, Arizona with his wife, Leesa Clark Price. Together they have nine children and 18 grandchildren.

View his work at garyleeprice.com.