PHOTO PROVIDED Gary Casteel, who will sculpt a bust for the park, is pictured with an example of his work.

LOCK HAVEN — The soon-to-be improved Veterans Park has a sculptor for its main piece of art. Last week, Dave Harger announced that Gary Casteel has signed on to provide and sculpt the art.

“Gary is a remarkably gifted man,” Harger said.

According to Harger, Casteel has an impressive resume. The piece of art, Harger said, “will be the bust of a soldier that transcends time, past, current and future.”

Casteel is a resident of Gettysburg, Pa. According to his resume, he has gained art experience and education through Giovanni and Frederico Pucci in Pietasnta, Italy (marble carving); Russell Rote in New York City (clay modeling); Salvatore Lopez, Miami, Fla. (wood carving); Sheidow Bronze Corporations Kingwood in West Virginia (bronze casting).

“Gary is world famous,” Harger said, “his pieces are seen by millions of people (every) year.”

Casteel’s most famous sculpture is one of General Longstreet, which sits in Gettysburg National Park.

According to Harger, Casteel understands the assignment, having served in Vietnam.

Casteel’s works are featured throughout the country, from Gettysburg to Kentucky.

In 2021, Harger unveiled plans for the park.

Following the Hometown Heroes celebration in August of 2021, Harger proudly showed off plans for the park, including an artist’s rendering of what’s to come. At that point, $70,000 was committed. The original $70,000 came from the following groups — Terrapin (PA) had given $25,000, Jim and Carol Hanna jumped on board with $25,000, a total of $15,000 came from an anonymous donor and $5,000 came from “Mark the Shark” charity motorcycle rides.

In addition to Harger, there is a solid committee helping with this long overdue project. The team looks like this: Harger (construction/donor), Steve Getz (artist and concept designer), Jim Russo (construction, donor), Jim Hanna (electrical/donor), Jim Lovette (donor rep), Jen Hagaman (Veteran’s Affairs rep), Joby Topper (historian) and Troy Conzelman (donor rep).