Outdoor Sculpture Installation Downtown

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photos by Lindsey Chester and Hal Goodtree.

Cary, N.C. – Friday morning, under a threatening sky, 12 sculptures made their temporary homes along Academy Street in Downtown Cary. From about 9:30 through the afternoon, the artists and a town crew along with volunteers from Cary Visual Art helped secure each piece of art, as part of the annual juried show known as the Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. The sculptures will call Cary their home through June of 2013.

Sculpture Installation Downtown

I enjoyed hanging out watching the artists at work, wielding power tools to drill holes that were used to bolt pieces in place. A crane which was on loan for the day lowered many of the heavier pieces onto their pedestals from above. It was street theater that caught the eyes of many passersby that morning.

62 Applicants, 12 Sculptures

This is the 4th year that Cary Visual Art has produced this show, which drew 62 applicants for the 12 selected pieces. Artists hailed from as far away as Texas.

Originally, this show was entirely displayed on Town Hall campus. Last year, with the opening in July of the Cary Arts Center, it was decided that Town Hall would anchor the show with a few pieces, and that the new Arts Center would house a few and the balance would be distributed in front of willing stores or homeowners up and down Academy Street. It was a great success, and was expanded this year from ten to twelve selections.

Art on the Move

The piece below went whizzing by on a flat bed towards its destination. It reminds me of a piece that was formerly placed at Samuels Keep that I often admired. the silver shapes are birds and it moves in the breeze.

Flying House

I was eager to see the flying house. The artist even demonstrated that the screen door on the porch opens and shuts!

Elephant

This elephant piece is reminiscent of the Horse that was so popular last year, and the Bull the year before. It sits in front of the Post Office where it will surely delight all visitors.

Giant Bow

On the lawn in front of Town Hall sits a giant bow (as in bow and arrow). Hal caught the artists and helps stringing it up during the afternoon.

Cary Outdoor Sculpture Show

When you drive through downtown, take the time to park your car and wander around to see these marvels which will only be here for 10 months. Test your ability to find each of the 12 visiting sculptures before they leave town.

• Where: Academy Street from Town Hall to Cary Arts Center
• When: Through June 2013

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Arts coverage on CaryCitizen is sponsored in part by Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, the Triangle’s home for world-class outdoor music and entertainment.