The Art Around the Corner outdoor sculpture exhibit for 2015/2016 is about to conclude, and pieces currently on display will soon be replaced by a new collection of works. Since last spring, the current 24 pieces have beautified the St. George downtown area, lifted people’s spirits and intrigued our imaginations. But the first week in April, most of those pieces will leave to make way for a new collection. The 2016/2017 exhibit will debut on April 8, with the annual Artists’ Reception dinner.
This means there’s still time to get out and see the current pieces. Anyone can contact Art Around the Corner (AAC) to arrange a free tour of the exhibit. We’re happy to provide that service. Or, if you’d like a self-guided tour, download the map of sculpture locations at www.artaroundthecorner.org. It also means that art lovers and collectors can still purchase one of these wonderful pieces, either for display here in the community or to grace your home or business.
One of my great memories came the first year we were taking down the show, in preparation for installing the new sculptures. We were removing a life-sized bronze of a darling little girl (I can’t recall the title of the piece), taking her down from the pedestal where she’d been on display for the past year. Just then an older gentleman pulled up in a pick-up truck and exclaimed “Where are you taking my little girl?”. He was visibly concerned, even a little agitated.
When we explained that the piece would be returned to the artist, he was crestfallen. “Oh no, you can’t take her away. I say hello to her every morning. She belongs here.” He and his wife had developed a real connection with the piece on an emotional level. For them, that sculpture represented something that had won a place in their hearts.
The story has a happy ending. Once the man discovered that he could purchase the piece, he jumped at the opportunity. Now he and his wife enjoy their special little girl every day, and share her with family and friends. That’s the power of art in our lives, and the positive influence it can have.
Accordingly, I sincerely hope more people realize and consider that most of the sculptures in the annual outdoor exhibit are available for purchase by individuals, companies and organizations. Some of the current pieces already have buyers, but if there’s a piece you’re personally drawn to, or you feel it needs to stay in our community, now’s the time to seriously consider purchasing it.
Art Around the Corner is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the arts and enriching our community. AAC’s annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit features sculptures by nationally renowned artists on public display in the downtown area of St. George. If you’re interested in sponsoring or purchasing a piece or want to be involved, please contact Cindy Trueblood.
Cindy Trueblood
Director of Sales & Community Relations