New Broadway sculptures unveiled Friday

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri unveiled seven new sculptures along Broadway in Cape Girardeau at a downtown ceremony Friday evening.

Mayor Harry Rediger, members of the Arts Council and several of the artists mingled with residents in the Vasterling Suites courtyard to discuss this year's pieces. Rediger said that since last year's inaugural sculpture project received such positive reviews, the community is thrilled to unveil the works.

"Is it too presumptuous to say annual?" he joked. "We're so happy to have our second exhibition unveiled."

He said the success of the exhibition suggests a growing interest in public artwork, a trend that helped Cape Girardeau win a 2015 Great American Main Street Award.

"I see momentum gaining in making this the sculpture city," he said. "I envision sculptures coming to Cape Girardeau."

Arts Council executive director Murielle Gaither agreed, saying, "Cape Girardeau serves as a beacon for the surrounding communities" in terms of integrating art into existing landscapes.

Southeast Missouri State University professor and exhibition judge Chris Wubbena said this year's art brings a different feel to Broadway than last year's did.

"It's grounded in an earthiness," he said. "[The sculptures] are very different, but cohesive as a block. They work together."

He pointed out that while last year's art was mostly shiny and incorporated a lot of aluminum, this year's has a warmer, more subtle aesthetic.

"They're honest with their materials. Some are painted or patinated, but you can tell they're still metal or wood," he explained. "They retain their integrity."

The sculptures come from artists across the country, including one from Cape Girardeau, artist Nathan Pierce. Illinois sculptor James Johnson created the archway that now decorates the courtyard of the Vasterling suites, titled "Flint Hills Dreamer." He said Cape Girardeau's sculpture exhibit is part of a larger trend that's as good for small communities as it is for artists.

"[Exhibitions] like these, that's what's happening around the country right now," he said. "I think it's wonderful."

Wubbena said the sculptures do much more than just decorate Broadway; they're meant to engage residents.

"Public art, and art in general, is a community thing," he said. "It brings people together in many ways. ... It challenges us to look past what we're supposed to see to what we actually do see. ... This project is about enriching the community we love."

tgraef@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.