Public art will be on center stage in Birminham on May 28 when the city kicks off this year's edition of the CityScapes public art program, showcasing a dozen new sculptures.
The principal piece is called "Rou A Lou" 
by Mark di Suvero. City officials approved installing it on a small portion of green space where Woodward and Old Woodward avenues intersect.
"Rou A Lou" is the largest and most notable of the event's 12 works. di Suvero is foremost considered an American abstract expressionist sculptor and his distinctive, large bold pieces can be found all over the world.
His focus on I-beams and heavy gauge metal make him popular in this medium. Many of his pieces contain sections that are allowed to swing and rotate to give the overall form a considerable degree of motion. "Rou A Lou" incorporates a large tripod I-beam frame with three balls suspended 10 feet in the air.
Two other of his pieces will be on display in Birmingham. The remaining nine works will highlight some of the best national, regional and local talent in public sculpture. City leaders expect the art will help enhance the quality of life and property values in the city, along with improving its reputation as a cosmopolitan hot spot.
The reception will be held at 6 p.m. in the Big Rock Chophouse, 245 South Eton Street. The event is open to the public and appetizers will be provided courtesy and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening. For information, contact Joe Valentine, at (248) 644-1800 ext. 221.
Source: Joe Valentine, the city's liaison to the Birmingham Public Arts Board
Writer: Jon Zemke
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