The City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) announce the third temporary art exhibit (Art in Roanoke) for the Artwalk in Elmwood Park. In May, eight new sculptures will be installed. Addressing the theme “Roanoke Rising,” the works will be on display for two years.
The pieces will join two permanent works purchased from the previous two exhibitions: Descending Night by Jack Howard Potter and Hill Climb by Jim Collins. Downtown Roanoke Inc. and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge respectively supported these two purchases. During Festival in the Park, May 25-26, viewers will have a chance to vote on their favorite piece and the winning artist will receive a People’s Choice Award. Citizens may vote at www.facebook.com/artinroanoke.
According to Arts Commission Chair Scott Crawford, “We chose the theme of Roanoke Rising to celebrate how Downtown Roanoke has experienced a Renaissance as a host of successful restaurants, museums, cultural centers, breweries, shops, and living spaces have risen. A greenway running along the Roanoke River allows runners, walkers, and bicyclists a means to escape the city and easily, return to nature. A growing public art collection adds to the city’s overall aesthetic appeal. Roanoke has proven, yet again, that it can rise even as economic upheavals unfold. Roanoke Rising celebrates this history and story of transformation and survival.”
A selection panel of citizens and city representatives reviewed up to three entries each from 100 artists to narrow the exhibition down to the following works:
- Alec Aita of Berlin MD - Altered
- David Boyajian of New Fairfield CT – Chrysalis and Milkweed
- Gillian Christy of Boston MA – Winged Victory
- Matthew Duffy of Washington DC – Low-Poly Open Heart (R.E.D.)
- Steven Durron of Salisbury MD – Crescent
- Hanna Jubran of Grimesland NC – Allegro
- Chris Plaisted of New Millford CT – Harbinger
- Will Vannerson of Kansas City MO – Ecstatic Crepitacean
According to Susan Jennings, Arts and Culture Coordinator for the city this was the first time the RAC used an on line system to solicit entries, which doubled the number, received. It will be the second exhibition to use Otocast, a free downloadable app where users can tour the exhibition and hear the artists speak about their work.
For more information, or to obtain images of the works, please contact Susan Jennings, Arts and Culture Coordinator at [email protected] or 540-853-5652.
###