Lots of art is on its way to Birmingham. Public art. But before the sculptures arrive in May they are being refurbished in a New York City.
The 13 pieces include the "Rou A Lou" sculpture by Mark di Suvero that city officials approved for the small portion of green space where Woodward and Old Woodward avenues intersect. They are all part of Birmingham’s Cityscapes program.
"This will probably be the biggest year for the Cityscape sculptures," says Joe Valentine, the city's liaison to the Birmingham Public Arts Board. "In the past few years we have had four or so. This year we’re looking at 13."
The public art is set to arrive this spring and all be installed by the end of May when a reception and silent auction will be held to celebrate their arrival. 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.
"Rou A Lou" is the largest and most notable of the 13 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.
Organized by the Birmingham Public Arts Board and the Cultural Council of Birmingham Bloomfield, the Cityscapes Art on Loan program provides a continuing installation of temporary sculptures at designated locations in Birmingham on a schedule of every two years.
Source: Joe Valentine, the city's liaison to the Birmingham Public Arts Board
Writer: Jon Zemke
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