"Snapshot" Statue
Lakewood, Colorado
"Snapshot" is a life-size, multi-figure bronze sculpture situated near the lake in Addenbrooke Park. Created by Loveland artist Jane DeDecker, the piece holds the distinction of being the first work of public art acquired by the City of Lakewood, installed in 1994. It depicts a candid moment of childhood summer play: a group of friends squeezed onto a bench with a wagon, posing for a photograph.
While the scene is designed to evoke a universal sense of nostalgia—complete with a pouting child in the background—the casting has a specific and notable provenance. The original work was commissioned in 1992 by pop icon Michael Jackson for his Neverland Ranch sculpture garden.
The sculpture serves as both a whimsical attraction for park visitors and a significant milestone in Lakewood's cultural history. Its placement in a natural setting allows families to interact with the art in a relaxed environment, bridging the gap between celebrity history and local community values.
Key Facts
-
Location Addenbrooke Park, Lakewood, CO
-
Category Public Sculpture
-
Artist Jane DeDecker
-
Acquired 1994 (First in Lakewood)
Notable Features & History
Universal Theme
The sculpture captures a relatable human moment: children attempting to pose for a photograph. The composition includes details like a wagon and a pouting child in the back, grounding the artwork in the chaotic reality of childhood play rather than idealized perfection.
Neverland Origins
The original casting was commissioned in 1992 by Michael Jackson for his Neverland Ranch. The artist used photographs provided by Jackson to model the figures, which include likenesses of Jackson as a young boy, along with Macaulay Culkin, Gary Coleman, and Janet Jackson.
Civic Significance
Acquired in 1994, this piece represents the City of Lakewood's first official entry into public art collection. It marked the beginning of a broader municipal commitment to integrating cultural assets into public spaces.
Park Setting
The statue is thoughtfully placed near the lake within Addenbrooke Park. This setting encourages interaction, making it a popular destination for families and children who can physically relate to the life-size figures on the bench.
Visitor Information
Access & Cost
The sculpture is located in a public park and is accessible free of charge during standard park hours (typically sunrise to sunset).
Amenities
Addenbrooke Park offers walking paths, a lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it ideal for extended visits.
Location
Addenbrooke Park
600 S Kipling Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80226
Local Context & Nearby Landmarks
Lakewood has a growing public art scene. Visitors to Addenbrooke Park often explore other nearby cultural hubs.
The "Snapshot" statue stands as a verifiable landmark in Lakewood, Colorado. It preserves a specific moment in 1990s pop culture history while functioning as a timeless representation of childhood within the city's public art collection.