Columbia’s Arts District recently unveiled a new visual enhancement to its South Garden Street entrance with the unveiling of three new sculptures on pedestals along the sidewalk.
Created by local artists Whitney Herrington and father and sons Rommel, Nicholas and Cory Ricaurte of Ricaurte Sculptures, the new sculptures bring a new visual aesthetic to the South Garden streetscape; a project completed earlier this year.
The streetscape project included improvements such as widening sidewalks, adding designated on-street parking, converting a section of road to a one-way street, and new landscaping, lighting, benches and five pedestals for local artwork.
“Today we celebrate not only the unveiling of these magnificent sculptures, but also the enrichment of the artistic soul of our community,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder during the unveiling on August 9.
“Public art is more than just aesthetic beauty; it is a catalyst for connection, inspiration and shared experiences. These new works created by our talented local artists transform our arts district into a vibrant gathering place where residents and visitors alike can meet, appreciate and be inspired. They are a testament to the power of art to bring us together and create a stronger, more vibrant Columbia.”
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Herrington is no stranger to public art, having created numerous murals and other artworks in Maury County over the past few years. She also recently helped design the arts district’s first “creative crosswalk,” which was unveiled in late April/early May of this year.
For the South Garden sculpture, Herrington took her skills a step further and created a three-dimensional metal piece called “Dancing Poppies.”
“This sculpture is inspired by poppies and the flowers I use in my murals,” Herrington said. “‘Dancing Poppies’ is a celebration of growth, both in subject matter and in my own artistic practice, as I continue to explore the possibilities of public sculpture/art.”
The other two sculptures were provided by the Ricaurtes and are titled “Steelgill” and “Independence.” These stainless steel sculptures were hand crafted with bronze additions and patinas designed to interact with the environment, creating different hues throughout the year.
“The design of ‘Independence’ was inspired by breaking free from societal constraints and being true to oneself,” said Nicholas Ricaurte. “The design of ‘Steelgill’ is inspired by our love of nature and the importance of conservation, highlighting the Duck River and other bodies of water.”
Two pedestals remain along South Garden Street for additional public artwork, which will be installed and unveiled in the coming months, according to a press release from the City of Columbia.
Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Get breaking news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.
