The Iowa Sculpture Festival, Centre for Arts and Artists, Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, ReNew Newton, individuals and businesses with the encouragement and collaboration of the City of Newton, Iowa have joined to establish the “First Avenue of Sculpture and Art” program with the intent to Educate, Excite and Entertain the Citizens and Visitors of Newton, Iowa. A component of “Newton’s Future: A Comprehensive Plan”, the Sculpture Rental/Sale Program proudly announces the sculptures selected for 2014 along First Avenue. Fifteen entries from five artists comprised the slate.
Voting members of the committee were: Mayor Appointee Craig Trotter, Parks Commissioner Appointee Amanda Price, members of the Iowa Sculpture Festival Committee Terri Ayres, Herman Deaton and Nancy Wright, Newton Elementary School Art Educator Libby O’Lear and community advocate and business owner of long standing Joe Carmichael.
Non-voting members offering support and guidance were: Chairperson Bruce Showalter, Linda Bacon, Zach Bey, Erin Chambers, Denice Fischer, Brian Friedman, Linda Klepinger, Bernie Lammers, Brendon Lamont, Frank Liebl, Steve Long, Tanya Michener, Angie Neville, Mary Ann Nevins, Sue Nolin, Bob O’Brien, Don Poynter, Janet Reents, Jane Repp, Cory Stout, Jack Topp, Natalie Umsted, Nathan Unsworth, Keri VanZante and Annette West.
Sculptures will be sited by their creators this spring and will remain in place until early November. Sculptures will be promoted for sale with a percentage of the sale used for continuance of the program. Two of the sculptors will be exhibiting in the 12th annual Iowa Sculpture Festival June 7 and 8 at DMACC in Newton. If the program is successful additional locations will be considered next year.
From east to west on First Avenue the site, sculptor and title is as follows:
• Community Bank David Belitz “Bird Hat”
• Aurora Heights Park Gail Chavenelle “Cyclist”
• Edward Jones, office of Mark Allen James Bearden “Soaring”
• Sersland Park Gail Chavenelle “ Guardian”
• Flower Bed on corner of 1st St. N. and 1st Ave. Nick Klepinger “Puppy Love”
• First Avenue West near RR underpass David Belitz “Dandelion”
Watch for the announcement of events celebrating the siting of each sculpture coming soon!
