How it started: Under the leadership of Art Space Vincennes, and collaboration with the Northwest Territory Art Guild, and the help of a board of 8-12 people consisting of two non-artist stake-holders from the community, three practicing artists with sculpture degrees and a varying number of other arts practitioners and gallery owners, a program was established to bring public sculpture to Vincennes on loan for three year periods. The works could be purchased to remain in Vincennes. Artists submitted works for consideration, the board selected pieces and their choices were reviewed by the Mayor, the City Parks Superintendent, and the City Engineer, before the sculptors were notified.
Where they come from? Over the three years of searching the nation for the most interesting sculptures available, they came from 11 states: OH-7, IN-5, MI-3, IL, WI, and NY – 2 each, CO, OR, CT, GA and FL – 1 each. Each artist received a stipend when they delivered the work, midway through the show and when they pick up the work after their three year showing. The First City Public Sculpture Project, then, consisted of 25 Public Sculptures installed in locations throughout the City.
An unexpected benefit during COVID: The first group of large-scale outdoor sculpture came to Vincennes during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts were made by many people to isolate themselves to avoid the rampant spread of a virus that was killing many. The galleries closed and cancelled the crowded First Friday Art Walks to help mitigate the virus’s rising case numbers, fatalities, the growth of new strains of the virus, the wait for the development and distribution of vaccines, and the desperate conditions of small and large businesses.
For many the Public Sculpture Program took on a new meaning: Something positive, wholesome, imaginative helped citizens “see their home, the town’s space, in a new light”. People could come on their own outdoors to view the sculpture and be safely out of the house. This positive distraction helped some people during the worst health crisis of their lives. It was a cultural war against the effects COVID-19 for many people, as a curiosity, a distraction, a contemplation, or even just a shift in mind-set (“What is that?”). It was safer than going into a gallery. Several outdoor tours took place, explaining the sculptures and inviting dialog. The response by people, described above, came from evaluation forms, all of which were positive.
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR): Graciously saw fit to give Amy and Andy an award of recognition for service to the community, providing the public with an opportunity to experience something positive, through art, to distract them from their fears, if only temporarily, and bring them outdoors from isolation during the COVID years.
Thank You, Donors, for your support! It is fortunate that the project has received much help, recognizing that this was an important enough initiative to support with grants and in-kind help. So we wish to follow through with a thanks to the City of Vincennes, Indiana Arts Commission, Duke Energy, Knox County Community Foundation, and Futaba of America. Also many individuals and businesses from the Vincennes community generously donated funds for this project. Their support increased with every year of the project, proving the project’s value and need. The money has gone toward artist stipends for the expense of delivering and picking up the pieces, the cost of installing the work, the interpretive signage. No compensation was given to us or the committee.
So far: Two pieces have been sold; two others are being considered. Two have been donated.
We ask property owners to consider use of their property and liability insurance coverage as in-kind donations to this not-for-profit project. The artists are responsible for insurance against potential damage to their work.