Category: News

Ironman M-Dot sculpture by Richard and Josh Prazen

Iconic IRONMAN M-Dot Sculpture Addition to the St. George Landscape to be Celebrated Monday Morning

Posted on by Art Around the Corner

 

City, Tourism & IRONMAN Officials to be Available  

St. George, Utah (March 10, 2021) – The roundabout at Main and Tabernacle Streets in St. George is  about to see a familiar symbol become a more permanent fixture. It’s an icon that has become known all  over the world and in a very personal way to the citizens of Washington County for the past 10 years. As  a precursor to the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Pro Championship race in May and the area’s first  IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in September, a symbolic IRONMAN M-dot sculpture is set to be  installed on Saturday morning. 

A meet-and-greet introductory event will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 15 at the site of the sculpture. Executives from the IRONMAN team will be in attendance, including Diana Bertsch, Senior  Vice President World Championship Events, who will oversee the 70.3 World Championship race in  September. Key public officials and IRONMAN representatives will provide brief remarks at the gathering and will be available for interviews. 

“We live in a land of endurance, and we host one of the most scenic and challenging endurance races  on earth,” said Kevin Lewis, Director of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. “Across the  globe, this race showcases the characteristics of the area and the enduring qualities of people who live  here. This new work of art is a symbol of all that this event means to our community and a tribute to  what our community inspires in race participants all over the world.” 

Ironman M-Dot sculpture by Richard and Josh Prazen
Ironman M-Dot Sculpture by Richard and Josh Prazen

Built by Rick and Josh Prazen, the sculpture has four sides, featuring a part of the triathlon – swim, bike,  and run – on each of three sides, and the IRONMAN logo on the fourth. “We are very honored to have  this sculpture showcased to the world,” said sculpture artist Josh Prazen. It has been an incredible  experience, especially working with the city and the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office to bring  this vision to life.” 

The piece was commissioned cooperatively by the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office and the  City of St. George to further the IRONMAN legacy, and pay tribute to St. George as an established  IRONMAN destination. Over 10 years the annual event has brought nearly $100 million in direct  economic impact to the area. The sculpture will be a centerpiece for the celebrations surrounding the  IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship coming September 17 and 18. It will serve as a focal point for  photography, media coverage, selfies and other memories, as it graces the finish line. 

The sculpture joins more than 30 original pieces and 3D works of art are being installed in St. George  this month, courtesy of the Art Around the Corner Foundation. The M-dot will be on display in the  round-about throughout 2021, then moved to a permanent location to commemorate the World  Championship Event. 

Photos of the in-shop creation of the sculpture, as well as photos and footage of the  installation (happening Saturday) will be available at https://bit.ly/3v7BmkM. 

About Greater Zion 

Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Greater Zion is a destination that offers more than  2,400 square miles of adventure and inspiration. Zion National Park, the fourth most visited  National Park in the United States, is the premier attraction, but Zion is only the beginning.  

Home to the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, Greater Zion is a world-class  destination for sporting events, conferences and meetings. The Greater Zion Convention &  Tourism Office is a transient-room-tax-funded entity of Washington County, Utah. 

About St. George 

The hub of Southern Utah, St. George is surrounded by gorgeous red cliffs, manicured green  golf courses, and 300 days of sunshine each year. The city bustles with many specialty shops,  an enclosed mall, the Dixie Convention Center, a hospital with a world-class cancer research  center, St. George Regional Airport, and many fine dining establishments. 

About Art Around the Corner 

Since 2004, the Art Around the Corner Foundation (a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit  organization) has partnered with the City of St. George to select and install high-end public  art in the Historic Downtown district, with new installations taking place in April of each year.  In 2019, the footprint of the AACF outdoor sculpture gallery expanded to include  installations at St. George City Hall, Dixie Regional Medical Center, and other sites, making  art available for the larger community to enjoy and appreciate. In its 16 years of existence,  the Art Around the Corner has facilitated nearly $1 million in sales of public art, while the City  of St. George and Washington County have purchased numerous sculptures for their  permanent collections. 

About the artists: Richard and Josh Prazen 

Richard Prazen is a third generation blacksmith and has widely influenced the metal artistic  community for the last 20 years. Richard and his son, Josh, combined to create the majestic  IRONMAN art piece. Richard currently oversees the metal art program for Salt Lake  Community College and enjoys sharing his knowledge of this almost lost trade. Richard’s  company, Reflections From The Forge, can accommodate any commissioned sculpture  piece, large and small, from contemporary to realistic, as well as artistic two dimensional wall  murals, custom furniture, and any other challenging concept in metal. His work includes birds  of prey, Native American and Christmas art. 

For more information, please visit GreaterZion.com

For more information on the St. George IRONMAN, visit: 

https://www.ironman.com/im703-st-george and www.facebook.com/IMStGeorge

Desert Rat by Matt Clark

After COVID-19 pause, Art Around the Corner brings 31 sculptures to downtown St. George, Utah

Posted on by Art Around the Corner

“After pausing their annual sculpture gallery in downtown St. George, Art Around the Corner Foundation is back. They’ve installed 31 sculptures around the arts district this year. Though the number of participants is down, Marianne Hamilton couldn’t be more excited…“
See more at Saint George News

2021 Outdoor Gallery

Video AAC Installations 2021

Video: Art Around the Corner Installations

Posted on by Art Around the Corner

Art Around the Corner installs new sculptures in St. George

ST. GEORGE, Utah (3/27/21) – Artists from all across the country converged on St. George over the last three weekends installing new sculptures for all to see. The Art Around the Corner program has been displaying sculptures and artworks over the past 17 years. The foundation receives RAP tax money from the city and county, to help pay a stipend to artists who allow their works on loan for a year. Here’s more on what you can expect to see on display in St. George’s Downtown Art District.

Visit our 2021 gallery page to see our current collection

2021 Outdoor Gallery

Online Auction Collage 2021

Art Around the Corner Completes 2021 Outdoor Sculpture Gallery

Posted on by Art Around the Corner

Online Auction of Small-Scale Sculptures Announced in April

ST. GEORGE, UT — March 27, 2021 — In what has become one of the most eagerly-anticipated rites of spring in Southern Utah, the Art Around the Corner Foundation (AACF) announced the completion of its 2021 annual outdoor sculpture galleries. Located in St. George Town Square, at St. George City Hall, and at St. George Regional Hospital, the collection includes more than 30 works created by renowned artists from across the U.S. and has a cumulative value in excess of $400,000. From April 16-23, AAFC will offer for sale, via an online auction, small-scale sculptures – created by the same artists whose sculptures are now installed publicly. All auction pieces will be on display at the St. George Art Museum, 47 E 200 N, from March 31 through April 23. The Website to register for the auction will be live soon at https://www.AACauction.givesmart.com

Online Auction Collage 2021

The new exhibit includes works by several beloved local artists, including “Desert Rat” by Matt Clark, “Emissaries of Light” by Marcia Robinson-Rouse, and “Love the Earth,” by Cheryl Collins, which has been purchased by St. George Regional Hospital, and now welcomes patients and families who are visiting the facility’s emergency department.

Additionally, Minneapolis, MN.-based artist Kimber Fiebiger – whose popular “Egghead” sculpture now resides permanently in front of the St. George Children’s Museum – has installed “The Fool” near the carousel in Town Square, while Reven Marie Swanson of Denver, CO, contributed “Good Morning Sunshine,” a kinetic work that rotates in the afternoon winds. Also returning for the new show is National Sculpture Society Fellow Gary Lee Price of Springville, UT, whose “Harriet Tubman” sculpture honors the iconic abolitionist and political activist.

“As the skies get brighter and the days get warmer in St. George, we always look forward to the new sculptures being installed around town by Art Around the Corner,” said St. George Mayor Michelle Randall. “Our beautiful city becomes even more so each year when the new collection is put in place. We appreciate the hard work of the Art Around the Corner Foundation, and value our ongoing collaboration with this wonderful organization.”

Since 2004, AACF has curated and installed public art in Historic Downtown St. George each year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, its annual artists gala and installation was postponed. With the final placement on March 27 of 10 new pieces downtown and at the hospital, the 2021-2022 exhibit is now ready for local residents and visitors to enjoy free of charge, any time of the day or night. All large-scale pieces in the collection are available for sale or lease. Those interested in acquiring a sculpture can contact AACF at info@ArtAroundtheCorner.org.
About Art Around the Corner

The Art Around the Corner Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts, enriching the community, and bringing fine arts to Greater St. George. The Foundation’s flagship project is the Outdoor Sculpture Galleries, a collection of sculptures from nationally renowned artists. The Foundation is supported in part by the City of St. George RAP Tax and Washington County RAP Tax, as well as annual City and County acquisitions of the artwork, and numerous sponsors in the community and beyond.

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New outdoor art pieces being installed in St. George as part of Art Around the Corner

Posted on by Art Around the Corner

“More than 30 original sculptures and 3D works of art are being installed in St. George this month, courtesy of the Art Around the Corner Foundation (AACF). Following a year’s extension — due to the COVID-19 pandemic — of the sculpture gallery installed in 2019 at Town Square, St. George City Hall, and St. George Regional Hospital, AACF will be welcoming artists to town during March to put brand-new pieces in place…”

See more in the article on St. George News

Art Around the Corner set to install more than 30 new outdoor sculptures in St. George

Posted on by Art Around the Corner

Sculptures and 3D artwork appearing downtown, uptown, and at the hospital

ST. GEORGE – More than 30 original sculptures and 3D works of art are being installed in St. George this month, courtesy of the Art Around the Corner Foundation (AACF). Following a year’s extension – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – of the sculpture gallery installed in 2019 at Town Square, St. George City Hall and St. George Regional Hospital, AACF will be welcoming artists to town during March to put brand-new pieces in place.

The new collection will include sculptures from beloved St. George-based artists, including Matt Clark, Marcia Robinson-Rouse and Cheryl Collins, as well as northern Utah sculptors Deveren Farley, Dana Kuglin, Gary Lee Price and Dan Toone. In addition, local residents and visitors will once again enjoy the work of artisans from Minnesota, California, Colorado, Idaho and other states.

“Art Around the Corner’s 2021-2022 Outdoor Sculpture Gallery will be the perfect celebration of a community reconnecting after a very challenging year,” said AACF Board Chair Marianne Hamilton. “The new show includes a very diverse range of styles and materials, from traditional bronze sculptures, to pieces crafted from recycled and reclaimed metal components, and will feature everything from a winged angel to a revered historical figure to a heavy-metal rocker.”

Now in its 17th year, the all-volunteer, nonprofit AACF curates and installs sculptures and 3D artwork from artists located across the U.S. Each artist agrees to loan their work to the City of St. George for one year, and all pieces are offered for sale or lease. Since Art Around the Corner was founded in 2004, the organization has installed hundreds of works of art, and has facilitated nearly $1,000,000 in sales. AACF partners closely with the City of St. George to make public art available to the community, installing sculptures in Historic Town Square and along Main Street in the Arts District. Since 2019, AACF has installed artwork at St. George Regional Hospital.

“Art Around the Corner has been an amazing addition to the art district in the City of St. George for the past 17 years, bringing a world class outdoor art exhibit,” said St. George City Councilwoman Dannielle Larkin. “Art that is readily available for public viewing elevates the human experience, elicits joy and brings smiles to faces. I encourage all residents to take a moment next time they are downtown and take a stroll to see all of the new and beautiful installations.”

Art Around the Corner’s new outdoor sculpture gallery will be installed over several weekends during the month of March. The full collection will be in place ahead of the 2021 St. George Art Festival, slated for April 2-3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Town Square. The public is invited to view the new sculptures, which can be enjoyed free of charge at any time, day or night. For more information, visit www.sgartfestival.com.

About Art Around the Corner

The Art Around the Corner Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts, enriching the community, and bringing fine art to the heart of historic St. George. The Foundation’s flagship project is its Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, a collection of sculptures from nationally renowned artists. The show changes each spring, with approximately two dozen pieces installed annually.

angela de la vega sculpting anika - dontated to city of st. george

St. George City Council honors artist Angela Mia De la Vega

Posted on by Art Around the Corner
angela de la vega sculpting anika - dontated to city of st. george

“The St. George City Council honored Dallas-based artist Angela Mia De la Vega at its meeting earlier this week for her donated bronze sculpture, “Anika,” to the city…” See more in an article by Jennifer Weaver, KUTV

“At the Thursday meeting of the St. George City Council, Dallas-based artist Angela Mia De la Vega was honored for the gift of her bronze sculpture Anika to the city…” See more in an article by St. George News

Angela De La Vega donates Anika to City of St. George, Utah

Angela Mia De la Vega generously donates “Anika” to the City of St. George

Posted on by Art Around the Corner

Renowned artist Angela Mia De la Vega donates sculpture to City of St. George

“Anika” included in 2021 Art Around the Corner show, will be given permanent home within city limits

ST. GEORGE — At the Feb. 4 meeting of the St. George City Council, Dallas-based artist Angela Mia De la Vega was honored for the gift of her bronze sculpture, “Anika,” to the City. De la Vega generously donated the artwork – valued at $8,500 – to become part of the City’s permanent public art collection, following its installation as part of the current Art Around the Corner outdoor sculpture gallery.

Standing 3-feet tall, “Anika” clutches a duckling to her chest while gazing off into the distance. De la Vega crafted and named the sculpture in honor of her then 3-year-old goddaughter, whose mother grew up on a farm. 

“Anika’s mom definitely encouraged her children to love animals and nature, so the duckling represents that love,” De la Vega said. “As it turns out, Anika is now 14 and a fantastic artist in her own right.”

De la Vega, a lifelong sculptor, says her artistic talents became evident at a young age. 

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing,” she recalled. “Also, my mom always said that I started sculpting my mashed potatoes when I was still in my high-chair. She and my stepfather were both educators, and they supported and nurtured my love of art throughout my life.”

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, De la Vega completed undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the University of Madrid, Spain. She is a member of the National Sculpture Society, American Women Artists and was named a Living Master by the prestigious Art Renewal Center. 

“Freedom of spirit is my work’s purpose: to uplift and inspire feelings of pure love and joy,” De la Vega said. “When I heard that ‘Anika’ had been well-received by the St. George community while she was part of the Art Around the Corner show and that she was bringing people joy, I just felt that she needed to stay in St. George. As an artist, it’s very affirming to know that your work has been embraced and celebrated.”

St. George Mayor Michele Randall said De la Vega’s donation is greatly appreciated by the entire St. George community.

“Anika perfectly embodies the innocence of the very young,” Randall said. “She will be prized by everyone who sees her, for years to come.”

The sculpture will be installed at a permanent location, with the site to be determined. 

About Art Around the Corner

The Art Around the Corner Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts, enriching the community, and bringing fine art to the heart of historic St. George. The Foundation’s flagship project is its Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, a collection of sculptures from nationally renowned artists. The show changes each spring, with approximately two dozen pieces installed annually.

Mural at St. George Art Museum 30th

30th Anniversary of the St. George Art Museum

Posted on by Art Around the Corner

In partnership with the City of St. George and Docutah, Art Around the Corner sponsored a “live art happening” as graffiti artists transformed the Art Museum into a work of art, itself!  These professional mural artists are featured in the Documentary films, Alice Street and Prophets Teachers and Kings.

Article on St. George News

Youtube Video - SG Art Museum Mural Depicts hope and unity