Visit Carson City and community partners invite the public to celebrate the unveiling of this new sculpture by internationally acclaimed sculptor Gary Lee Price on Friday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m. in McFadden Plaza, with the official ribbon cutting at 6 p.m.
The ceremony will include remarks from Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, Bob Stewart, and McAvoy Layne. Join in the celebration of Carson City’s unique literary legacy as the birthplace of Mark Twain. Refreshments provided by The Fox Restaurant and Brewery in the Fox’s Den.
Carson City’s public art collection continues to grow as a life-sized bronze sculpture of Mark Twain seated on a bench, with space for people to sit down and join him, makes its way to the McFadden Plaza located at 223 W. 3rd St., Carson City.
Located in front of the historic St. Charles Hotel, one of the last remaining buildings where Samuel Clemens — better known as Mark Twain — is known to have spent time, the sculpture invites visitors to sit beside one of America’s greatest writers in the very city where he first signed the moniker “Mark Twain.”
The sculpture, titled “Mark Twain III,” is part of artist Gary Lee Price’s “Great Contributors” collection and was funded through individual donations from local Mark Twain enthusiasts, a grassroots group that are called the “Never Sweats,” and the Nevada nonprofit the Invisible Hands Foundation.
Gary Lee Price is a renowned figurative sculptor, graduate of the University of Utah, and Fellow of the National Sculpture Society with artworks in thousands of public and private collections worldwide. His sculptures are dedicated to uplifting and inspiring the human spirit and are often centered on themes of connection, kindness, and shared humanity.
The Board of Supervisors accepted the sculpture as a donation at the July 16, 2026, meeting as part of Carson City’s ongoing commitment to building a collection of high-quality public art for the enjoyment of residents as well as visitors.
More than a place of rest, the sculpture creates a place for conversation, reflection, and discovery, honoring Twain’s enduring wit while inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the community that helped shape one of America’s most beloved storytellers. Nearly 165 years after Samuel Clemens first signed the name “Mark Twain” in Carson City, visitors will once again find him waiting downtown, ready to share a bench, a photograph, and perhaps a story or two.
More information about the artist and statue can be found at garyleeprice.com. Carson City’s public art collection inventory is available at carsoncity.gov/arts. Contact Anna Freeman (afreeman@carsoncity.gov) with questions.
