Find a foolproof method and then let inspiration take over. In the realm of public art, Lexington is actively searching for that method, yet the number of temporary installations that are positioning outdoor sculptures all around us, suggests that inspiration might just lead the way.
The motivation behind the most recent public art project, titled Reclamation - a partnership between the University of Kentucky Art Museum, the University of Kentucky Art Department, LexArts and the South Hill Group - is one that is vital to our identity now and for years to come - urban infill and redevelopment.
This temporary public art project will provide graduate level sculpture students the opportunity to conceive, construct and install large-scale sculptures in prominent public locations throughout the historic district of South Hill. Only catch is these works must address the theme of Reclamation and tie into our community's ongoing efforts to revitalize old structures located in downtown and on campus.
Designed as a summer sculpture program, Reclamation will include two paid residencies ($2000.00 each) and a public art exhibition of the work created by these residents along with four additional sculptural works by graduate level students who were also offered a stipend of $500 each.
Funding is provided by the Effromyson Foundation and was secured by the University of Kentucky Art Museum three years ago as a means to encourage collaboration between the Art Department and the Art Museum.
Once installed, the public artworks will begin at the doorway of the South Hill neighborhood at the redevelopment of Cigar Flats on Lawrence Street. The sculptures will take viewers on a tour of these historic streets toward Center Court. It will then direct pedestrians to Avenue of Champions and conclude at the sculpture garden at the Art Museum at the University of Kentucky.
The two visiting residents are Patrick Toups from Georgia State University and William Vannerson from the University of Kansas. They are hard at work creating their contributions to this temporary exhibition, which will launch with a reception for the artists and community on the evening of June 19, 2009, in conjunction with the Lexington Downtown Gallery Hop. The exhibit will run through May 2010.
The other graduate students are Etienne Jackson, Georgia State University and three University of Kentucky graduate students: Luke Achterberg, Mel Vanzandt, and Nate Hatch.
If artistic inspiration emanates from the works unveiled in this exhibition and persuades us to acknowledge issues of relevance, encourages us to continue necessary and important dialogue, introduces new ideas, and challenges old ones, then public art will have found its place. Look for more extensive coverage of Reclamation in Huskisson's column scheduled to print in the July 12th edition; she will examine how these temporary public art projects aid in establishing a more sustainable public art program in Lexington.