New sculptures debut at annual event
by HANS MADSEN – Daily Freeman-Journal
The 10 pieces of sculpture that are included in this year’s Arts R Alive project in Webster City had their public debut Thursday evening in West Twin Park.
The public art display features works from several Iowa artists, including Webster City artist Tim Adams whose piece is called “Resonance.”
Made of cedar, steel, aluminum and concrete, it features a set of wind chimes.
Adams was inspired by a new world of sound.
“I had gotten hearing implants,” he said. “There was all this new sound I could hear. Chimes were one of them. The dishwasher makes a lot of noise when you’re watching TV.”
He hopes people will enjoy the sound of his piece.
“There’s no wind tonight, but you’re welcome to go up and ding them a time or two,” he said at the event.
Wayne Schlotfeldt, of Webster City and his mom, Carol Schlotfeldt, also of Webster City, began their tour of the art with a close look at Adams’ work.
“I’m an engineer,” he said. “The structural part intrigues me.”
The pair had mixed reviews about the piece, from the viewpoint of it being located in their own yards.
“I don’t want the chimes in my yard,” Carol Schlotfeldt said.
“You can come to my yard and try them,” her son responded.
Janet Adams, chair of the Arts R Alive project, said the program has exceeded expectations.
“We had a 10-year plan to get 10 pieces,” she said. “Here it’s year eight and we have 10. We have wonderful donors.”
Getting a piece selected involves the artists submitting their work for judging by Dan Perry of the University of Northern Iowa.
Perry was on hand as well.
“We’re seeing growth in the whole state in the area of public art,” he said. “Webster City is doing a great job with that. They’re seeing the value. People are seeing the power of what art can do when it’s in the public venue.”
“Twenty-six pieces were entered,” Janet Adams said. “You’re seeing very high quality work.”
Most of the pieces will stay in the park for up to a year.
Some work from previous years has been installed in downtown Webster City.
The evening also included entertainment by the group Jive For Five and refreshments.
Click here to view the article as it originally appeared in the Daily Freeman-Journal.
Last modified: August 3, 2018