Let’s Meet at Walt: New Statue of Good Grey Poet Unveiled at Rutgers–Camden

Giannotti, who retired from Rutgers–Camden in 2001, has donated the creation as well as the hundreds of hours it took to improve the sculpture. Three versions of the piece now exist; two earlier works – made during the centennial of Whitman’s death in 1992 – are featured at Soka University in Tokyo and the Camden Children’s Garden.

Whitman himself was known for reinventing his work: at least six editions of Leaves of Grass were published in the poet’s lifetime. Unlike the plaster version painted bronze which stood in the lobby of Armitage Hall, this latest version will stand the test of time. New elements have been added to the work, including a multi-colored surface that emphasizes the poet’s “grey” persona, white beard, wooden cane, and gold-plated watch fob and butterfly. 

“I wanted to leave something behind at Rutgers that was visible,” Giannotti notes. “Of course, we’ve all left something behind, but as a sculptor I get to leave something tangible. Who gets to leave a thousand pound piece of bronze?”

In addition to “Whitman with Butterfly,” the Rutgers–Camden artist has created other local works featured at the Chews Landing Fire Company and the Cooper River Parkway. His seven-pillar circular “Victims of Terrorism Memorial,” also at Cooper River, serves a memorial to victims of terrorist attacks. On a global scale, Giannotti has presented solo shows in England, Italy, and Canada. 

During the ceremony held indoors due to inclement weather, Rutgers–Camden Interim Chancellor Margaret Marsh discussed Giannotti’s significant contribution to the campus.  “We are thrilled for John’s generosity. We have an extraordinary piece of art created by an extraordinary sculptor,” Marsh remarked.

Giannotti’s creative contribution also will serve as a constant reminder of Whitman’s great connection to Camden, which the Rutgers–Camden Campus continues to foster. Home to the online journal Mickle Street Review and the Walt Whitman Program in American Studies, Rutgers–Camden also offers access to the primary materials of the Good Grey Poet that are stored at the Walt Whitman House, located less than a mile from campus.

In years past, Whitman Day celebrations have brought poets such as Allan Ginsburg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti to campus. Visiting Whitman scholars – as well as the campus’ own – share their research during free public lectures. At 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the faculty lounge of Armitage Hall, the Whitman Program in American Studies will present author Sheila Rowbotham, who will discuss her latest book on a Whitman devotee: “Edward Carpenter: A Life of Liberty and Love.”

When Giannotti decided to donate his artwork to Rutgers–Camden, the Whitman sculpture was a perfect fit. “Walt and I go way back. Before I would teach, I would walk around Camden to Whitman’s house and to the monument he designed for himself at Harleigh Cemetery,” he noted. 

But it was his love for the campus, more than Whitman himself that really inspired Giannotti.  “It’s been seven years since I left Rutgers–Camden and it will always be a part of my life.”

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