"Ishmael," by TJ Mabrey, will be on exhibit at the Lampasas Public Library beginning tonight. The Library Foundation of Lampasas and the Library Advisory Board extend a public invitation to the unveiling of local sculptor TJ Mabrey’s newest artwork “Ishmael,” beginning at 6 p.m. today in the library foyer with a brief talk from Mrs. Mabrey. Refreshments will be served.

The 51-foot-long sculpture has been created from French red marble and gray Bardillio marble. The artist describes “Ishmael” as depicting a man clinging for his life to the side of a large, long, slender fish. His head is down, and he grips the top fins of the fish in a determined effort not to let it get away.

“Metaphorically, the piece represents the hold man tries to maintain on things in life, of life itself, when he should perhaps let go,” said Mrs. Mabrey.

She added it also represents the astronomical representation of the Age of Pisces as it descends in the night sky making way for the Age of Aquarius.

Mrs. Mabrey was born in Eagle Lake, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Oklahoma State University, where she was recognized for Outstanding Senior Portfolio.

Her designs and sculptures have been exhibited in galleries and museums from the Dallas Museum of Art to those in Oklahoma, New York, Washington, D.C., Italy, Egypt, Lebanon and The Netherlands.

“Over the years, I have seen my work in several libraries, including the City of Dallas Library and the American Library in Alexandria, Egypt,” Mrs. Mabrey said. “Today, you have expanded the list to include Lampasas. What a joy it is to share this sculpture with all who come into this library.

“I hope it will inspire those who see it to explore new ways of ‘seeing,’ and learn to respond to art.”