An empty pedestal at the entrance to the Blackfoot Public Library and City Hall awaits the 7-foot statue “A Hero’s Journey,” known locally as Arthur.

Its journey to Blackfoot will end on Wednesday, Oct. 8, when its sculptor Daniel Borup will unveil Arthur to the public.

Before then, the Library’s Board of Directors are inviting the public to donate money that will help them pay the nearly $20,000 debt that remains. To thank those who donate $100 or more, there will be a plaque inside the library with their engraved names. However, to be included on the plaque your donation must be in before the end of September.

The statue originally cost $40,000 but the CJ Art Gallery, who has had the piece on consignment, waived its commission to drop the cost to $28,000. Grants and donations have been used to pay for the statue and the cost of the cement pedestal. The City of Blackfoot donated the labor for pouring the pedestal.

This award-winning bronze statue was sculpted by Daniel Borup, an art educator in Shelley. It depicts a young, adventurous boy holding a dragon book and wooden sword adorned in a paper hat and hero’s cape while standing on a pile of books.

The Library’s Board of Directors feel Arthur’s enthusiasm melds “the magic of storytelling and the beauty of art for our community,” according to its Bringing Arthur Home brochure. Sculptor Borup agrees, saying “Books are a quest and we finish each one transformed.”

The Board feels Arthur’s quests through books embodies its goal to “fill children’s lives with joy, enthusiasm, and happiness on their journey in life.”

To assist in bringing Arthur to its Blackfoot home, you can donate at the library’s circulation desk or by sending checks to the library at PO Box 610, Blackfoot, Idaho, 83221. If you have further questions, contact the Statue Committee Chair Kathy Behrend at kathybehrend@yahoo.com. All donations — large and small — are welcome.