In the upcoming weeks, visitors to the River District may notice a few changes in terms of public art thanks to the second round of Danville Art Trail entries.
Beginning Friday, the first of eight new sculptures will be installed along the trail, with the final pieces being installed on Jan. 26. The pieces will remain on display for 18 months.
“We believe these public art displays add value to our community by introducing new and interesting pieces on a rotating basis,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Department Director Bill Sgrinia. “We wanted to provide a cultural opportunity that is both free and accessible by all and to provide a unique opportunity for everyone to experience in their daily lives.”
The eight new pieces were selected from a field of 34 entries; six sculptures were chosen by a panel consisting of local art enthusiasts and two were selected by an online vote. Two of the original seven pieces will remain on the trail. Those pieces include “An Autumn’s Path” (formally located at Danville Public Library), which was purchased by the city using grant funds and “Sharing a Story” (currently located adjacent to the JTI Fountain on Main Street), which will remain on loan from the artist for an additional 18 months.
“Not only will new artwork be on display, we were able to expand the locations of the trail,” Sgrinia added. “None of this would have been possible without the support of the public.”
While installation, artist fees and maintenance of the trail costs $20,000 every 18 months, financial contributions from Danville Regional Foundation, Riverview Rotary and the River District Association have reduced the city’s cost to around $6,000.
For Riverview Rotary Past President Kathy Milam, the organization’s support of the trail is an investment in Danville.
“Riverview Rotary is a proud sponsor of Danville’s unique Art Trail,” Milam said. “Rotarians work together to support education and help grow the local economy. Danville’s Art Trail educates, inspires creativity, beautifies, and promotes interest in our community.”
The pieces that will make up the trail include (in no particular order):
- “Red Digital Gate” by Jim Gallucci – located at Crossing at the Dan Trailhead – People’s Choice Selection
- “Shooting Stars” by Cathy Perry – located at Danville Public Library – People’s Choice Selection
- “Learn to Fly” by Brian Glaze – located at the Charles Harris Financial Center
- “Zachary’s Angel” by Shawn Morin – located at 500 Main Street (former Downtowner site)
- “Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter” by Rudy Rudisill – located at Danville Science Center
- “Sprite Core” by Adam Walls – located at Union Street Overlook
- “Zig Zag Boogie Woogie” by Bill Wood – located at the North End of the Riverwalk Trail Pedestrian Bridge
- “An Autumn’s Path” by Jordan Parah – located at the Main Street Plaza Trailhead
- “Crimson Ring” by Glenn Zweygardt – located at the Danville Museum of Fine arts and History
- “Sharing a Story” by Marie-Pierre Philippe – located at the JTI Fountain on Main Street
All of the pieces will be installed by Jan. 27.
This year’s selection panel was made up of Fred Motley, Rick Barker, Kathy Milam, Bruce Wilson, Charles Ellis; Bill Sgrinia and artists Carrie Alter and Virginia Van Horn.
Sponsorships are still being accepted. To sponsor the Danville Art Trail, contact Emily Ragsdale at (434) 799-5215.