The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) in partnership with the Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation Commission will host the official ribbon cutting of the Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail 4 pm., Saturday, Oct. 14. The event, held on east First Street where the trail crosses and the sculptures are located, is free and open to the public.
The unveiling is in conjunction with the Chili Cookoff which starts at 4 pm. “We’re hoping folks will participate in both events which are just a block apart,” said MVAAC President Marie DeVries. “The unveiling program will be short and sweet; Council member Scott Rose will speak on behalf of the City and help cut the ribbon; then encourage people to try the chili uptown!”
Hatched over two years ago, the Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail idea was presented to the Mount Vernon City Council last fall. In response, the Council pledged $10,000 to the project. Together with $5,000 contributed by MVAAC, and $1,000 from local residents, four sculptures were purchased and installed in August. “Girl & Hawk” is by Joe Norman, Loveland, Colorado, and the three piece “Dance Diversity” is by Gail Chavenelle, Dubuque, IA.
“MVAAC and the City are viewing this as a four-year program with the hope that one or more sculptures can be installed annually,” says DeVries. “The number of pieces will depend on funding.” In addition to donations, the trail committee is seeking grants and foundation funds.
Sculptures are being located along the trail that begins in Nature Park and ends at the Elliott Baseball Field complex. The initial pieces were installed near where the trail crosses First Street.
Established in 2004, MVAAC is a 501(c )3 nonprofit, volunteer-run organization whose mission is to increase the knowledge, understanding, cooperation, appreciation and practice of the arts in the Mount Vernon-Lisbon area. For more information, go to www.mvaac.org.
