SKY KING

Monumental Bronze, Life-Size – Created in 2012
(Commissioned by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and made possible through the generosity of Dr. Helen Wessel)

In early 2012, visionary supporter Dr. Helen Wessel commissioned Vic Payne to create a life-size monument of an American bald eagle.  Dr. Wessel envisioned a powerful symbol that would resonate with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s students, faculty, and visitors alike. Vic, fueled by his deep connection to aviation inherited from his father, sculptor Ken Payne, eagerly accepted the challenge.

Vic meticulously studied the anatomy, movement, and spirit of the bald eagle. His attention to detail is evident in the textured feathers, the shaping the eagle’s outstretched wings, sharp talons, and the vigilant gaze captured in its eyes. On October 29, 2012, in the heart of the Daytona Beach Embry-Riddle Aeronautics Campus, nestled within the Jim Henderson Administration and Welcome Center, ‘Sky King’ found its permanent home – a sentinel of knowledge, courage, and the boundless skies. Vic Payne’s ‘Sky King’ remains a beacon, a testament to the intersection of art, aviation, and the enduring spirit of exploration.

Vic Payne’s dedication to capturing the essence of the bald eagle in bronze reflects not only his artistic skill but also the significance of this majestic bird as a symbol of freedom and inspiration. ‘Sky King’ stands as a timeless tribute to the harmonious blend of artistry and aviation, inviting all who encounter it to soar to new heights.