In the Irish Celtic mythology "Lugh" (pronounced lou) was the solar deity and was considered the god of the arts and commerce. His mother, Dana, is considered the mother/earth goddess. A nameplace was any place important enough to be designated with a name and often a myth to go with it. Standing stones, many of which existed before the Celts inhabited Ireland and owe their origin to Neolithic people, often become nameplaces.

My present sculpture is strongly influenced by the megalithic stone constructions that existed in many parts of the prehistoric world but most specifically those found in the British Isles, France, and Ireland. I am drawn to these structures not only because they are some of the earliest large scale sculpture and architecture but because they continue to have a strong impact on the modern viewer. They are a real part of our mysterious Neolithic origins and consinue to fascinate us. For many, including myself, they initiate a strong emotional response.
    --Roger P. Halligan, 1997

Roger Halligan: has been sculpting since the 1970's. He received his MFA with honors in Studio Arts from the University of Georgia in 1977. He served as an exhibit designer for the North Carolina Zoological Park. In 1993, he was awarded the State of North Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence for his work in the design and construction of the Sonora Desert Exhibit. He is a founding member and past president of the Tri State Sculptors Educational Association, Inc. For more information, see his page at Tri-State Sculptors.

Chattanooga State Sculpture Garden IV viewbook, 1997