In Zanesville, a striking 15-foot-tall bronze statue of former President Donald Trump stands completed but unrealized, as artist Alan Cottrill faces a contentious payment dispute with the cryptocurrency group $PATRIOT. Cottrill, a seasoned sculptor known for his impressive works, including a bronze statue of Thomas Edison placed in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol, finished the statue three months ago. He applied gold leaf gilding to the piece to give it a regal touch, yet it remains unrevealed in a secret location within Muskingum County, Ohio.
The statue depicts Trump in a dynamic pose, pumping his fist in the air, a dramatic gesture reflecting the tumultuous events following a July 2024 assassination attempt against him in western Pennsylvania. Cottrill, who has received $300,000 for the statue and an additional $60,000 for the gilding, claims the payment delay is tied to a copyright infringement issue. $PATRIOT allegedly utilized images of his artwork to market crypto tokens without proper authorization, causing friction in their business relationship.
Originally, the statue was scheduled for a two-year exhibition tour across the United States, eventually intended for installation at a prestigious site, potentially a presidential library or the headquarters of the Republican National Committee. However, plans have since evolved, with the latest suggestion being the statue’s placement at the Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami.
Cottrill expressed frustration with the cryptocurrency group, characterizing them as “flaky” in their dealings. The ongoing dispute has caught the attention of both international media and representatives from the White House, underscoring the statue’s significance beyond mere craftsmanship.
Unexpectedly, the situation has put a spotlight on Cottrill’s artistic journey. At 73, he began sculpting at the age of 38 after a career in business, later founding Coopermill Bronzeworks upon returning to his hometown of Zanesville. While he has familial ties to the judiciary, Cottrill remains reticent about publicly revealing his political affiliations, including whether he supports Trump.
As negotiations with $PATRIOT continue, Cottrill’s monumental statue stands as a testament to both artistic ambition and the complexities of modern art commissions tied to digital platforms. The outcome of this dispute may very well determine not just the fate of the statue but also the future collaborations between traditional artists and cryptocurrency-driven ventures.
