10th annual Art Around the Corner brings new art to downtown

“Ready To Play,” by Deveren Harley, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler. St. George News

ST. GEORGE – A giant guitar sculpture displayed at the roundabout intersecting Tabernacle Street and Main Street has a lot of heads turning and some people wondering where it came from. The sculpture, titled “Ready To Play” by artist Deveren Farley, is a part of the 10th annual Art Around the Corner outdoor art show. So for the next year, residents and visitors alike get to gaze on Farley’s sculpture, along with 22 others placed across downtown St. George.

“Mama Crusty the Desert Crab, by Tim Little, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler. St. George News
“Mama Crusty the Desert Crab, by Tim Little, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler. St. George News

Art Around the Corner

“People love the art that’s here,” said Stefanie Bevans, chair of the Art Around the Corner Foundation, during a presentation to the St. George City Council Thursday.

People love seeing the sculptures in the downtown area and then wonder where this or that piece disappeared to, Bevans said. She told council members that each of the 23 pieces brought into the city are only there for a year for the purpose of being sold.

That’s right, that giant guitar in the middle of Main Street and Tabernacle is for sale, and can be yours for $30,000.

“Flight of the Zephyr,” by Spencer Davis | Photo courtesy of the Art Around the Corner Foundation, St. George News
“Flight of the Zephyr,” by Spencer Davis | Photo courtesy of the Art Around the Corner Foundation, St. George News

“Part of my goal as chair is to bring awareness to what we do,” Bevans said, adding that Art Around the Corner brought in diverse pieces for the public and prospective buyers to view. As an example of that diversity of artistic style, Bevans pointed to pieces like the steampunk-inspired bust “Flight of the Zephyr” and “Momma Crusty the Desert Crab,” which is built with parts from a 1950s Chevrolet and Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Not everything can be cowboy or pioneer-themed, Bevans said.

Though Art Around the Corner partners with the City of St. George in order to hold the year-long event, the Art Around the Corner Foundation is run by volunteers. As well, no taxpayer money goes toward the leasing of the sculptures brought into the city for the year. That cost is covered by local sponsors.

The City of St. George may buy a sculpture from the art show from time to time. Funds for such a purchase would come from revenue raised from the city’s carousel, St. George Mayor Jon Pike said.

“Abraham Lincoln,” by Gary Lee Price, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler. St. George News
“Abraham Lincoln,” by Gary Lee Price, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler. St. George News

Every piece has a story

On Friday night a dinner reception was held for artists whose pieces are being featured in this year’s show. Those in attendance thanked the City of St. George and Art Around the Corner for hosting the event, and also shared the stories and inspiration behind their sculptures.

David Anderson, the man behind “The Color Guard,” said he was inspired by the events of 9/11. When the tragedy happened, everyone was saying they would never forget. Well, more than 10 years later, they’ve forgotten, Anderson said. The day of the terror attacks, he said he went to his studio to work on a commission piece, but it didn’t feel right. Instead, he turned to creating what would become “The Color Guard,” and worked through the night doing so.

“The Color Guard,” by David Anderson, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler. St. George News
“The Color Guard,” by David Anderson, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler. St. George News

“The Color Guard” is located in front of the Wells Fargo Bank at Main Street and Tabernacle Street.

Another artist who shared his story was Gary Lee Price, who created a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln sitting on a bench. Price said it was a scene of Lincoln sitting in repose before giving the famous Gettysburg Address. He also put a slight smile on the president’s face, contrasting with popular imagery of Lincoln as a somber-looking figure.

“Abraham Lincoln” is also at the Wells Fargo Bank on Main Street.

L’Deane Trueblood’s piece “Playmates” was inspired by three little girls she saw while driving through Santa Clara years ago. Trueblood said she was charmed by the girls and took some photos of them, which later served as the basis of her sculpture. She still has the photos, and keeps and them in a plastic bag she showed those gathered at the reception. Trueblood said she has toyed with the idea of putting the photos in the newspaper so she might be able to find the three girls again, who by now may be in their late teens.

However, thanks to a members of the the Art Around the Corner Foundation Board who put a copy of Trueblood’s photo online, the girls were found Saturday and evident still either live, or have family in the area, Bevans said.

“Playmates,” by L'Deane Trueblood | Photo courtesy of the Art Around the Corner Foundation, St. George News
“Playmates,” by L’Deane Trueblood | Photo courtesy of the Art Around the Corner Foundation, St. George News

“Playmates” can be found in the St. George Town Square.

With an estimated attendance of around 230, Bevans said the turnout at the artists reception was the largest Art Around the Corner has ever had. Along with the artists and Art Around the Corner volunteers, city and county officials were also in attendance.

Pike said he liked the direction the city is going with Art Around the Corner and other art-based events and groups, particularly where the city’s downtown is concerned. “I hope it’s something that has a synergistic effect on visual and performing arts,” he said. “I’m feeling really good about how it’s evolving.”

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

 

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