Michael Richards was recipient of the Franconia Sculpture Park/Jerome Fellowship in 2000. Mr. Richards was in residence in 2000 the last week of August and the first week of September. During that time he created "Are You Down?"

In 2001 Mr. Richards was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center.

The Board and Staff of Franconia Sculpture Park are working on ideas for a memorial / tribute to Michael and his work. "Are You Down?" is currently cast in fiberglass, a material that is not durable for long-term exposure to the elements. One option is to cast the sculpture in bronze making it the only permanent sculpture in the Park. Another is to create a fund (The Michael Richards Fellowship) which would generate a financial award to an artist each year.

For more information on Michael Richards, "Are You Down?", or Franconia Sculpture Park please contact John Hock, Artistic Director, Franconia Sculpture Park, direct johnhock@franconia.org