Introducing Bola Ace: Sugarbush's Newest Art Installation

Introducing Bola Ace: Sugarbush’s Newest Art Installation

We are thrilled to share that Sugarbush has a brand new art installation right in the Lincoln Peak base area! Over the course of the last year, we worked with Vermont artist, Harlan Mack, to bring to life a sculpture that represents the resort, our mountain, and our region. This installation is a 10+ foot tall moose, lovingly named Bola Ace, inspired by not only our mascot Murphy Moose, but so much more. The moose, a New England icon, is known for their massive size, unique antlers, and powerful presence. They symbolize strength, wisdom, courage, and resilience. All are qualities we aim to strive for within our community, here at Sugarbush. We are delighted to have this custom sculpture to represent all this on behalf of the mountain, plus so much more, to Harlan.

Forward Stance Studio

Alterra began the initiative of Forward Stand Studio to facilitate connectivity, and meaningful conversations through art. It aims to celebrate the many experiences, diverse communities, and stories we build together in the ski industry. Across each Alterra Mountain Company destination, every installation will represent and promote conversations specific to the local mountain community and its values.

Read more about the Forward Stance Studio and a conversation with Harlan Mack during the building process.


In the artist’s words

I’m thrilled to share “Bola Ace,” a sculpture commissioned for Sugarbush Resort in Warren Vermont. This piece honors my two late brothers whose nicknames give it its title. This sculpture revisits my introduction to steel sculpture in making animals, reminding me of a time when creativity was all about the joy of play. That playful spirit still guides my work. Crafting narratives is my playground, much like the adventures one embarks upon with an action figure, a doll, or a toy airplane. “Bola Ace” is a story of beginnings.

As someone born and raised in Washington, VT, the natural beauty and wildlife of Vermont have always been close to my heart. In conversations with the Sugarbush team, we explored themes of beginnings and the importance of proximity to wilderness and wildlife. One story that resonated was about Murphy, the moose who became a beloved figure among visitors. This tale obviously struck a chord with me, leading me to include a moose in my list of proposals.

Constructed from resilient Corten steel, “Bola Ace” stands as a testament to personal and shared histories. It merges my artistic journey with the beauty and lore of Sugarbush. This sculpture honors both my brothers and celebrates the spirit of Murphy the moose, showcasing art’s power to connect us and tell meaningful stories.

The installation process:

Because of the metal used to make the sculpture, it would begin to naturally rust as time and weather impacted the piece. Harlan chose to begin the process rusting it himself with a special solution. This gave him the creative freedom to control the look of the piece, and how the rusting process would start to change the feeling of sculpture itself. As time goes on, the sculpture will continue to change. Every time you visit you’ll be in for a new experience!

After the first rusting process

We encourage you to come check out Bola Ace the next time you visit! Feel free to take photos and explore the piece! Please do not climb on the sculpture (unless you want to add some stylish rust stains to your clothes). Harlan has hidden some personal touches within the sculpture, see if you can spot them! We are proud to have this unique and meaningful piece of art right in the heart of the resort.

About the artist

Harlan Mack is a Rural Multidisciplinary Artist, living and working in Johnson, VT. Harlan works narratively through painting, sculpture, oral narrative, and poetry as well. Harlan’s Narratives are built around a fictitious future that contemplates themes related to life’s experience and pieces of life yet to be arranged.
Visit his website at www.harlanmack.com and follow me his Instagram @harlan_mack or @bloodmountainforge

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