Contest: Submit a Name for Downtown Sculpture, Win $50

Just off Armory Square in Syracuse there is a serpent with a head as tall as a lamp post. It’s big, blue and beautiful; all it needs is a name. That’s where the first-ever Syracuse Public Art Naming Contest comes in. October 2 is the deadline to submit names for the serpent sculpture, located at 350 W. Fayette St. The winning submitter gets a $50 Pastabilities gift card and bragging rights for as long as the serpent stands.

The serpent is a month away from completion, said Brendan Rose, the Syracuse Public Artist in Residence who began construction on the serpent in April.

“We never really had a name for it, and we thought the community would be a good place to turn to for ideas,” Rose said. “It’s also a good way to engage the community and get them involved in the project.”

Community involvement has been a staple of the project since day one, said Maarten Jacobs, director of the Near Westside Initiative and co-creator of the sculpture.

“Brendan’s sculptures are sight-specific, and he engages with the community to help decide what to build in the first place,” Jacobs said. “During the construction itself, random people walking by are welcome to jump in and help out. The whole thing is very hands-on.”

Rose said he plans to have an unveiling celebration when the serpent is complete, hopefully by early November.

Entries can be submitted online at the SPAR website.