“FLIGHT PLAN”: This collaborative work by the late Dick Snedeker and Trenton-based artist Leon Rainbow is being auctioned off through December 31 as a fundraiser for West Windsor Arts.

West Windsor Arts is auctioning off a special sculpture as a tribute to one of its founding members, Dick Snedeker, who passed away in 2020.

“As a small, local nonprofit, we rely on the support of our community to keep our programs going and our initiatives alive. We are now accepting bids on a collaborative work of art by Dick and renowned Trenton-based artist Leon Rainbow,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. The two shared a passion for arts advocacy and community service.

The sculpture, called Flight Plan, was originally created by Snedeker, a Princeton graduate and master woodworker who worked for more than 40 years at Aeronautical Research Associates of Princeton (ARAP) and wrote the popular “Looking Back” column for the West Windsor Plainsboro Community News. Snedeker also served on several local boards and participated in significant ways on a number of key community initiatives.

Snedeker described Flight Plan as “a neo-plywood revival piece that spoke to mankind’s urgent desire for flight.” Often in motion himself, he constructed other large “Fabulous Forms” sculptures in his home woodshop for children to paint during free community arts festivals. Rainbow learned about Snedeker’s interactive works with community children several years ago.

“I was doing a mural at an event for West Windsor Arts, and there was an artist there building a sculpture that the kids were painting. I thought it was really cool,” said Rainbow.

While painting Flight Plan, Rainbow wanted to be sure that the sculpture was Snedeker’s vision, his piece. “He had used all of these really interesting shapes,” said Rainbow. “Lately I have been playing with different textures and techniques and lighting effects, and I brought that to this work. The finished work is a true collaboration.”

In many ways, the sculpture is more than a work of art; “it is a piece of West Windsor history,” said Green. “I think it would look great in a lot of places, but it would best stand the test of time if displayed indoors in a foyer or lobby. You could also display it outdoors if longevity is not a concern.”

Bidding is now underway for the piece on the West Windsor Arts website. The bidding closes on December 31 at 8 p.m. If a potential buyer would like to see the sculpture in person before placing a bid, they can visit the arts center during open hours.

“Throughout the year, we offer as many ways as possible for people to support not only West Windsor Arts but also our local artists and community. We believe the arts should be for everyone to enjoy.”

West Windsor Arts is located at 952 Alexander Road in Princeton Junction. For more information or to bid on Flight Plan, visit westwindsorartscouncil.betterworld.org/auctions/fall-fund-20223/items/flight-plan.