The natural world and its inhabitants, many of which can be seen in the painted panels surrounding the sculpture's base, play a prominent role in Rizzo's art. The sea-run brook trout, or salters, run between fresh and saltwater and are prized by anglers for their strength and spirit. Visually stunning, this beautiful and resilient Maine heritage fish represents decades of successful habitat conservation work which helped to inspire the sculpture, the full title of which is:

Chance

Risk and Opportunity

While many of his works are commissioned, "Chance" is a passion project for Rizzo. "This fish, I did for me. It's only for the purpose of art,” said Rizzo. Relishing the opportunity to work on a creative project that represented something personal, the name reflects the project as a whole. "I took a chance. I made it to make it. It's art. It is all risk and opportunity, which, as artists, is what we do," he said. 

“Chance” showcases Rizzo’s skills as a multimedia artist whose work includes sculpture, carving, fabrication, painting, metalwork, signage, among other skills. He has also created interactive digital displays, amusement park ride elements, and scenic designs for numerous film and television productions. 

Rizzo's work can also be seen at the Abbe Museum on Mount Desert Island, outside Ruth & Wimpy's seafood restaurant in Hancock, where Wilbur, the 11-foot lobster, charms visitors and diners. During the construction of the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor, Rizzo led the team that fabricated over 8,000 square feet of structures for more than 80 interactive exhibits that the museum featured when it opened in 2001. 

Even today, nobody on Bangor's Main Street fails to notice the museum's 13-foot pocket watch surrounded by items representing science and the arts, topped with a book-reading frog. Since its installation in 2002, the clock has graced Main Street with frog croaks on the hour. It, too, has roots in nature conservation, inspired by the frogs that populate vernal pools in Maine forests, which, like the sea-run brookie, are environmental indicators—present when the environment is healthy and absent when it is not. 

The public is invited to take a "Chance" to view the fish at the Bangor Public Library through November. For more information on the art installation, visit downtownbangor.com/chance-risk-and-opportunity.

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