From Chapel Hill Public Library to the Chapel Hill Fire Station, Sculpture Visions is bringing elaborate art to town for yet another year.
Chapel Hill Public Arts Coordinator Steve Wright, who helps curate the public art exhibit, said he believes the annual project is a great addition to the town.
“I think it says that Chapel Hill is a community that values art and design, and I think that’s very appealing and can help attract residents and future residents and visitors,” he said.
“I think overall it helps define Chapel Hill.”
Mike Roig, a local Carrboro artist, has showcased multiple pieces of work in exhibits part of Sculpture Visions. This year he has two sculptures on display that are both extensions from last year. As a returning artist, Roig said he believes the exhibit provides great publicity for his work.
“It’s a good opportunity for me to get my sculpture out in front of the public. When you’re making sculptures of that scale, that’s part of your goal,” Roig said. Roig's “Beautiful Whirlwind” is on display in front of Fire Station #1 on the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Sculpture Visions aims draws attention to art as well as to the environment in which it is presented. The outdoor venues allow people to see the art without going into a gallery.
“Public sculpture is a nice way to introduce art into your community in a way that’s outside of a gallery — that’s out in the real world where people conduct their business every day,” Roig said.
Sculpture Visions isn’t just for local artists — the program attracts sculptures from across the state. Tom Grubb, an artist from Washington, North Carolina was selected to showcase his piece titled “Chapel Hill Voyager” at the Chapel Hill Public Library Sculpture Trail. In discussing the nature of outdoor displays, Grubb said the aging process that comes with exposure to weather symbolizes something greater for his art.
