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Sculpting Art Appreciation
Columbus, Indiana, is a well-known mecca for architecture buffs and creative minds. The town is ranked No. 6 in the nation for architectural innovation and design by the American Institute of Architects, and is regularly honored for its strong commitment to the arts. The downtown Arts District is lined with locally owned stores and art galleries, reflecting residents’ appreciation and immersion in the wide variety of art available throughout Columbus.
Now the town is shifting focus to public art spaces. Many outdoor sculptures that were put on display in 2006 will be sent to new homes, and Columbus will welcome several new pieces that will change the face of the Arts District and surrounding areas.
"We really wanted to revive the focus of public art," says Arthur Smith, marketing and media director for the Columbus Area Arts Council. Columbus’s Sculpture Biennial rotates public art works through the city, bringing in new pieces while sending the old ones back at the end of their leases. The sculptures arriving this year will adorn Columbus until May 2016.
"We are excited to have so many high-caliber public art pieces moving into the Arts District," says Erin Hawkins, director of marketing at the Columbus Area Visitors Center. "Columbus is well-known as an art and design destination, and the installation of these pieces builds on that legacy."
More than 200 submissions were received in response to the call for large-scale sculptures. After considering each submission and determining which sculptures best play off of one another and the rest of the town’s architectural features, eight winners were chosen.
"We wanted to work to bring in diverse pieces from out of town," says Smith. "We also wanted pieces that engage citizens in conversations about public art."
Accompanying these eight winning sculptures will be one permanent piece of public art by local artist Martin Beach. His piece, "Modern Totem," carved from limestone and granite, will be installed in the library plaza. The space has been recently renovated and will perfectly accommodate Beach’s sculpture, which stands more than 6 feet tall.