“Sculpture on The Town” makes debut on city streets
The Morganton Cultural Arts Commission is excited to announce that three sculptures were chosen for our inaugural “Sculpture on The Town”, revolving public art exhibition. The sculptures are on round concrete bases, placed in various locations around town, and will be on display through January of 2024. New sculptures will rotate in next Spring.
This project aims to increase community interest for public art and to offer artists a unique opportunity to display their original sculptural works. Thirteen artists from seven states submitted 20 sculpture pieces. Later in the year, there will be an opportunity for the public to vote on their favorite sculpture.
Sculptures chosen:
“Pure Me”, located on N. Green St just past Spainhour St. on the right
Artist: Tom Risser, Matthews NC
Artist Tom Risser said, “I created it through re-purposing scrap material from my “day” job as an engineer of packaging equipment – it represents a bit of my turning the materials into something else and finding the balance point between what is “normal” in one sense towards what can be seen if you spin it topsy turvy. This sculpture is made of stainless steel.”
Tom has been creating art since he was 34, professionally – which is a late start for many, but it took a while he said for his engineering brain to accept the other side. Perhaps his skateboarding influence made that transition easier. You can search him out on the internet and see a passionate creator of skate and sculpture parks, art, machinery, photography, cement and stainless sculpture, glass, and paintings….basically, he says, he has a lot of energy.
“Rising Spirits”, located in the landscaped island at W. Union and W. Meeting St.
Artist: Harry McDaniel, Asheville NC
Rising Spirits is composed of three fluid forms, pushed close together, creating an irregular interior space. The composition conveys a sense of upward motion and interaction between the three sections. The various surface textures and the gaps between the sections invite closer exploration. This sculpture is made of aluminum.
Harry McDaniel was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1959 and spent the latter half of his childhood in Raleigh, North Carolina. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed creating and constructing things. In his mid-20’s he began to take a serious interest in sculpting and painting. In recent years, his focus has been outdoor sculpture in aluminum and steel. His first public art commission was in 1988. Since then he has installed permanent works from Michigan to Florida
“Equity”, located at N. Green and Patterson Street.
Artist: Nathan Pierce, Cape Girardeau, MO
Nathan’s large public sculptures reflect not only his personal interest in architectural forms, but also a belief that communication plays a fundamental role in our perceptions of the world we live in. His work has always dealt with the conflicts of confinement and freedom and exploring catalyst between the two: building or destroying communication.
Pierce said, “The material I use and the process of my work is directly influenced by experience. Inspired by his many years in the construction business, the idea to create sculpture from those same materials seemed natural and permanent. The decision to utilize the benefits of structural steel in my work also comes from being inspired by the fabrication process. I enjoy the dedication and commitment that is required with this material, it helps build character. The relationship that these pieces have with the natural environment communicate to the viewer. It is this connection that helps activate our imagination and helps us see the world differently. These particular sculpture is made of weather steel.”
Nathan's work has been displayed extensively in public outdoor sculpture programs across the Midwest, including, The Chicago Sculpture Exhibit, SPACES Sculpture Invitational in Huntsville Alabama, and was the recipient of the Lewis C Weinberg Award at Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park. The city of Bentonville Arkansas, the Paradise Palms & Sculpture Garden of West Delray Beach Florida, and the City of Decatur Georgia have commissioned his monumental sculptures for permanent collections.
The Morganton Cultural Arts Commission will be announcing later this month the artist(s) and their artwork selected for print on “wraps”. These custom printed wraps will be placed on the transformers located behind the Stage on the Courthouse Square. To learn more about the Morganton Cultural Arts Commission visit our website https://morganton.art or follow us on Instagram @MorgantonCAC.
