I've spent some time reviewing the 10 new selections for Charlottesville's public outdoor sculpture program called ArtInPlace. Elizabeth Breeden, director of AIP, was kind enough to invite me to be a juror this year. It was a real pleasure to be involved.
Here are the 10 newest pieces found in various spots along Charlottesville's roadways and other public places (please be sure to click on the links for my review of each piece):
Opposing Forces by Hanna Jubran (Grimesland, NC)
Ain't Gonna Work on Maggie's Farm No More by Doug Makemson (Commerce, GA)
Draped Landolina by Gary Mitchell (St. Louis MO)
Looking For Ice by Gert Olsen (Jupiter, FL)
Particle Wave by Karl Saliter (Cornwall Bridge, CT)
Syllogism by Antoinette Prien Schultze (Eliot, ME)
Split 2 by Ken Thompson (Blissfield, MI)
Mother and Child by Adam Walls (Pembrooke, NC)
The Reality Assumption by Chris Wubbena (Jackson, MO)
Strobus by Joyce Audy Zarins (Merrimac, MA)
In years past, AIP has awarded a first prize from the annual selection. That didn't happen this year. Regardless, I have chosen what I think is this year's first prize winner. Although each piece had its individual strengths, in my mind, it came down to two: The Reality Assumption by Chris Wubbena and Split 2 by Ken Thompson (Gary Mitchell’s Draped Landolina was a close third). Each has its charm, but I have chosen Split 2 as my personal favorite. I just can't get away from how the large steel and zinc figure appears to be happily skipping down the busy median. Its simple yet graceful lines transform the materials and cause it to occupy a much larger space due to its invisible kinetic motion. Bottom line: It makes me feel good when I pass by it.
Keep your eyes open while driving around Charlottesville. There is some great art out there.
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