The Cancer Survivors Park Alliance unveiled its latest park element, “The Welcome Statue,” created by father and son sculptors Charlie Pate and Charles Pate Jr.
The statue, which was made possible through a gift from the William V. McCrary family, is in memory of Esta McCrary, who passed away in 2016 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Our family is truly amazed by Cancer Survivors Park, and we’ve had a front-row seat to see it continue to evolve,” said Bill McCrary. “It’s our hope that this unique gift to the Upstate will welcome all to the park for many years to come with the same welcoming spirit that we were fortunate to have with Esta and continue in our family today.”
The bronze sculpture, which weighs more than 500 pounds, features a woman with her arm extended as her hair and dress blow in a breeze while she dances on her tiptoes. The butterfly pattern on her dress also morphs into separate butterflies flying away.
“It is always a privilege when generous souls commission art, especially those pieces that are created with special meaning and purpose,” said Charles Pate. “The Welcome Statue features both, and it truly celebrates life. This will always be a loving memorial to Esta’s life and spirit.”
In addition to the McCrary family’s donation, Bruce Royal of Royal Engineering donated the engineering plan for the sculpture’s base, Kyle Gillespie of Gillespie Marble and Granite Works installed the cut granite, Arbor Engineering provided the landscape base plan around the statue, and the City of Greenville will handle any future maintenance.
