‘Sunny of Sussex’ adds sparkle to Route 24

Her piercing stare greets motorists on Route 24 just west of Long Neck. Her almond eyes, pursed lips, and long, flowing, yellow hair are mesmerizing. She is a beauty and will leave an indelible image in your mind.

How this 15-foot-tall, 10-foot-wide yellow face fashioned from hundreds of pounds of steel came to be resting at the entrance to Seymour Acres Road is the result of both altruism and opportunity.

“I saw on Brian Bachman’s Facebook page this beautiful image asking if anyone would like to display it,” explained Sharon Harring, who resides behind the artwork site. “‘Does anyone want this?’ he asked, and I jumped at the opportunity. He said it was a piece of art and he wanted people to enjoy it. It is not an advertisement. I call her Sunny, because she brings sunlight into my life each day. People often stop and have their pictures taken with her.”

Bachman, who owns Graydie Welding in Camden, said the inspiration came from an unlikely source. “My daughter, Graycie, is a tattoo artist, and she often makes face tattoos. I thought it would be nice to make a piece of art like that,” he said.

Materials were not difficult to find, as Bachman’s company specializes in handrails, and the leftover scraps provided for much of the sculpture. “I have a lot of smaller pieces in my backyard,” he added. “This isn’t the only one I’ve made.”

There are many women’s faces that have fascinated people throughout history. Medusa turned folks to stone with only a glance. Helen of Troy launched a thousand ships. And Diana was just a commoner before marriage turned her into a princess.

But there is only one “Sunny of Sussex,” and her penetrating eyes and eternal visage keep a constant watch over travelers on Route 24.