Date set for unveiling of new Broadway sculptures

The Public Art Committee of the city of Cape Girardeau will launch the city’s third public outdoor exhibit April 15.

Seven substantial pieces have been selected and will be placed along the Broadway corridor.

The seven artists selected for the exhibit are Jacob Burmood of Springfield, Missouri; Ben Pierce of Cape Girardeau; Nathan Pierce of Cape Girardeau; Bounnak Thammavong of Swisher, Iowa; Stephanie Sailer of Swisher, Iowa; Mike Sneller of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Will Vannerson of Kansas City, Missouri.

Artist James Johnson juried the exhibit. According to the Cape Arts Council website, Johnson is a sculptor and artist whose artistic career spans over 40 years. He has participated in more than 60 juried and invitational exhibits and completed many large-scale public sculptures that are on permanent and temporary exhibit in Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri and Iowa.

Johnson received input for the 2016 Cape Girardeau Sculpture Exhibit from the Public Art Committee, which consists of representatives from the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, Old Town Cape, the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Cape Girardeau and Chris Wubbena, professor of sculpture at Southeast Missouri State University.

Murielle Gaither, executive director of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, said often in a juried exhibition, the juror hand-selects the artist.

“The process for the Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit is a little different,” Gaither said.

The juror provides artistic guidance through the process, but ultimately the Public Arts Committee and the city has the ultimate say over the selection.

“But really, honestly, we have never had an issue with the piece the juror had selected,” Gaither said.

Gaither said because it is a public event and exhibition, officials have to be sensitive to the content.

“Artists selected in this year’s exhibition have created works of art that are reflective of their interest in nature, communications, and contemporary society,” Johnson said in his juror’s statement. “Each serves as focal points that enhance the viewer’s awareness of surroundings while causing them to reflect upon personal and professional experiences that have shaped their lives.”

Johnson congratulated the city of Cape Girardeau to its commitment to enhancing the public’s awareness and appreciation of the arts through events such as this.

The selected pieces will be unveiled during a special, public reception at the Vasterling Suites Courtyard at Broadway and Fountain Street.

“We are delighted with how the event continues to grow,” Gaither said in a news release. “We see great things happening in the realm of public art in this community, and are grateful to our partners for their commitment.

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department, the National Endowment for the Arts and Old Town Cape provided funding for the exhibit.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

Broadway and Fountain Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.