“Best for Last” installed on the highest point of land in the park at Sculpture Fields
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park hosted a special dedication ceremony honoring Best for Last, the final large-scale sculpture created by the late, internationally acclaimed artist John Henry. The event marked a historic moment for the park and the broader art community. Sculpture Fields—co-founded by John and Pamela Henry in 2012—opened to the public in 2016 as a destination for monumental outdoor sculpture and cultural engagement.
Mrs. Henry, co-founder of Sculpture Fields and wife of the artist, delivered a heartfelt dedication speech.
“It is fitting that John’s final work will reside in the park he envisioned back in 2012,” said Mrs. Henry. “John’s earliest sculptures were painted in caution yellow, a color he moved away from over the years. Installing Best for Last in that same bold yellow completes a full circle—from his beginnings to his final masterpiece. This is the last piece John personally supervised, and I know he would be deeply proud to see it now standing in Sculpture Fields.”
The dedication was held as part of Sculptacular, Sculpture Fields’ annual multi-day celebration of sculpture and community. As part of the weekend festivities, the park also introduced the inaugural artists selected for the John Henry Invitational—a new initiative designed to support and spotlight talented sculptors from across the United States.
“We are thrilled to have this monumental work in the park,” said Terry Karpowicz, curatorial director and fellow sculptor. “I knew John from his time in Chicago and came to know him well over the years. To see his final major work installed here, in the park he helped create, is truly special. This dedication honors his legacy in a profound way.”
Despite intermittent rain, a devoted crowd gathered around 1:30 p.m. for the ceremony. In a striking turn of events, the clouds briefly parted as Mrs. Henry began her remarks, allowing sunlight to illuminate the sculpture and provide a memorable moment for attendees before rain returned.
Pamela Henry, wife of the late sculptor John Henry and a co-founder of Sculpture Fields, speaks to the crowd during the dedication