Norwich in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

William Ashby McCloy

Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 3, 2017

1. William Ashby McCloy Marker

Inscription. William Ashby McCloy (1913-2000)
Aspirations, 1976
Core-ten steel 174 inches high
Commissioned with funds from The Connecticut Commission on the Arts William Ashby McCloy was born in Baltimore and studied at Phillips Andover Academy, University of Iowa and Yale University. He taught at Drake University, University of Wisconsin, University of Manitoba, and finally, Connecticut College, where he remained for twenty-four years. Upon his death, he bequeathed literally thousands of his life's oeuvre to the Slater Memorial Museum. His long, collegial friendship with former Slater director Joseph Gualtieri led him to create aspirations in 1975-76 specifically for the Museum grounds. About Aspirations, William McCloy wrote in 1976, "The figure is involved in three kinds of action …. Aspiration, Inspiration, and Adaptability: the first is indicated by the sense of reaching for control of the world, or for the moon, … the second by holding out of the flowers, a response to beauty … and the third by the spear-like form which can adjust to the force of the wind... The fact that the sculpture is on a pedestal is an acceptance

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of the continuing validity of traditional attitudes about man's potential, his ability to transcend the mundane and material.”

William McCloy’s work reveals a fertile imagination, coupled with skillful draftsmanship. The many pieces he donated to the Slater Museum reflect constant change and investigation. He pushed the limits of aesthetic sensibility, enhancing his ability to teach and relate to emerging artists.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music.

Location. 41° 32.174′ N, 72° 4.889′ W. Marker is in Norwich in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is at the intersection of Crescent Street and Broadway, on the left when traveling south on Crescent Street. Located on the campus of the Norwich Free Academy. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Broadway, Norwich CT 06360, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline,

in Greater New London and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern

Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 3, 2017

2. Aspirations

Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John F. Slater (a few steps from this marker); Slater Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Charles H. Osgood Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Shattuck Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Captain Samuel Chester Reid (about 500 feet away); Cristoforo Colombo Monument (about 500 feet away); Norwich Soldier’s Monument (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norwich.

Also see . . . Norwich Free Academy. (Submitted on March 13, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Bronze Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 3, 2017

3. Bronze Plaque

In Memory of William Ashby McCloy
with gratitude to
Mr. & Mrs. Edward McCloy
James McCloy
Amanda & Robert Clark

Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 3, 2017

4. Aspirations

In front of the Slater Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 771 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 13, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.