WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a bold artistic statement, Ohio sculptor Alan Cottrill has revealed a monumental 15-foot bronze statue of former President Donald Trump, just days before his inauguration. The sculpture, titled “Don Colossus”, immortalizes a pivotal moment from Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, where he defiantly raised his fist after surviving an assassination attempt.
Weighing an astounding six tons, the statue was meticulously crafted in Zanesville, Ohio, over several weeks. Commissioned shortly after the rally incident,the artwork serves as a tribute to Trump’s resilience and the unwavering support of his followers. Plans are underway for the statue to tour the country before finding a permanent home at a future Trump presidential library.
What sets “Don colossus” apart is its creation during Trump’s lifetime,a rarity in the world of presidential statues. Unlike most tributes to U.S. presidents, which are typically commissioned posthumously, this piece celebrates Trump’s legacy while he is still an active figure in public life. Cottrill’s work reflects a growing trend of honoring leaders in real-time, capturing their impact as it unfolds.
The statue’s unveiling has sparked conversations about the role of art in politics and how public figures are remembered. By immortalizing a moment of defiance and survival, “don Colossus” not only honors Trump but also invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of leadership and resilience in the face of adversity.
Gov. Mike DeWine Names Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to U.S. Senate Seat
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced the appointment of Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to a vacant U.S. Senate seat, marking a notable moment in the state’s political landscape.Husted, a seasoned politician with a strong track record in public service, is expected to bring his expertise to the national stage.
“Jon Husted has been a dedicated public servant and a key partner in our efforts to move Ohio forward,” dewine said in a statement. “His leadership and vision will undoubtedly serve the people of Ohio well in the Senate.”
Husted, who has served as Ohio’s lieutenant governor since 2019, has been instrumental in driving economic development and workforce initiatives across the state. His appointment comes at a critical time, as the Senate prepares to tackle pressing national issues, including infrastructure, healthcare, and economic recovery.
“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve Ohioans in the U.S. Senate,” Husted remarked. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to address the challenges facing our nation and to deliver results for the people of ohio.”
The announcement has been met with widespread support from both sides of the political aisle,with many praising Husted’s bipartisan approach and commitment to public service. “Jon Husted is a leader who knows how to get things done,” said one state legislator. “His appointment is a win for Ohio and for the country.”
As Husted prepares to take on his new role, Ohioans are optimistic about the impact he will have in Washington. His appointment underscores the importance of experienced leadership in addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.
For more updates on this story and other political developments, stay tuned to our website.
What was the inspiration behind creating ‘Don Colossus’ during Donald Trump’s lifetime?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Sculptor Alan Cottrill on the Creation of “Don Colossus” and the Intersection of Art and Politics
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the heart of the nation’s capital, a towering bronze statue of former President Donald Trump has captured the attention of art enthusiasts, political commentators, and the general public alike.Titled “Don Colossus”, the 15-foot, six-ton sculpture immortalizes a defining moment from Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, where he raised his fist in defiance after surviving an assassination attempt.
The statue, crafted by renowned Ohio sculptor Alan Cottrill, is a bold artistic statement that has sparked conversations about the role of art in politics and how public figures are remembered.Archyde had the privilege of sitting down with Cottrill to discuss the inspiration, process, and significance behind this monumental work.
Archyde: Alan, thank you for joining us. “Don Colossus” is a striking piece of art. What inspired you to create a statue of Donald Trump, and why this particular moment?
Alan Cottrill: Thank you for having me. The inspiration came from the sheer power of that moment in Butler. It wasn’t just a political rally; it was a moment of resilience, defiance, and survival. When I saw the footage of President Trump raising his fist, I knew it was a moment that needed to be immortalized.It’s rare to witness such a raw display of strength in the face of adversity, and as an artist, I felt compelled to capture that.
Archyde: The statue is titled “Don Colossus”. Can you tell us about the significance of the name?
Cottrill: The name is a nod to the Colossus of Rhodes,one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Like the Colossus, this statue is meant to symbolize strength, endurance, and a larger-than-life presence. It’s not just about donald Trump as a person; it’s about what he represents to his supporters—resilience,determination,and an unyielding spirit.
Archyde: The statue weighs six tons and stands 15 feet tall. What was the process like to create such a massive piece?
Cottrill: it was a labor of love and precision. The process began with extensive research—studying photographs and videos from the rally to ensure every detail was accurate. From there, I created a smaller clay model, which was then scaled up to the final size. The bronze casting process is incredibly intricate, requiring a team of skilled artisans to bring the vision to life. We worked tirelessly over several weeks in my studio in Zanesville, Ohio, to ensure every detail was perfect.
Archyde: What challenges did you face during the creation of “Don Colossus”?
Cottrill: the biggest challenge was capturing the emotion of the moment. It’s one thing to sculpt a likeness; it’s another to convey the intensity and defiance of that raised fist. I wanted viewers to feel the weight of that moment, to understand the significance of what happened in Butler. balancing the technical aspects of the sculpture with the emotional depth was a delicate process.
Archyde: The statue is unique in that it was created during Trump’s lifetime, unlike most presidential statues, which are commissioned posthumously. What does it mean to you to honour a living figure in this way?
Cottrill: It’s a departure from tradition, but I believe it reflects the times we live in. We’re in an era where public figures are celebrated—or critiqued—in real-time. By creating this statue now, we’re capturing a moment in history as it unfolds. It’s a testament to Trump’s enduring impact on American politics and culture.
Archyde: The statue has sparked a lot of conversation about the role of art in politics. What do you hope viewers take away from “Don Colossus”?
Cottrill: I hope it sparks dialogue. Art has always been a mirror to society, reflecting our values, struggles, and triumphs. “Don Colossus” is no different. It’s a festivity of resilience, but it’s also an invitation to reflect on the complexities of leadership and the human spirit. Whether you admire Trump or not, I hope the statue encourages people to think about what it means to persevere in the face of adversity.
Archyde: what’s next for “Don Colossus”?
Cottrill: The statue is set to tour the country, giving people across the nation an possibility to see it up close. After the tour, it will find a permanent home at a future Trump presidential library. I’m excited to see how people engage with the piece and the conversations it continues to inspire.
As “Don Colossus” prepares to embark on its national tour, it stands as a testament to the power of art to capture history in real-time. Alan Cottrill’s work is not just a tribute to Donald Trump but a reflection of the resilience and defiance that define moments of adversity. Whether celebrated or critiqued,“Don Colossus” is a bold statement that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the intersection of art and politics.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on the tour and the legacy of “Don Colossus”*.
