ST GEORGE -- Downtown St. George is home to a new group of sculptures, and the one at the center is hard to miss.
The 20-foot tall metal guitar is one of close to 20 sculptures installed throughout Main and Tabernacle Streets. It’s part of the annual Art Around the Corner gallery event.
Every year a new set of art shows up. Organization board members say it’s done with a goal of exposing residents to fine art.
“We want to raise the level of awareness of this type of art in the community,” said Steve Kemp, board member for Art Around the Corner. “We have had a lot of positive feedback from tourists, and from residents of St. George, that talk to us about how much the sculptures bring and add to the downtown.”
The sculptures come from all over the country.
Artists submit applications to become part of the outdoor gallery. The final pieces are chosen by board members.
Kemp said they try and get a good mix of modern and traditional sculptures, understanding that not all of them will appeal to everyone. So far, the metal guitar has brought in mixed reviews, but the majority are positive.
“I like it,” said Trent Collins, of St. George. “I think it’s unique and adds character.”
Santa Clara resident Sylvia Bradshaw looks forward to Art Around the Corner each spring. She said it brings a new feel to the area and shows how cultured Southern Utah is.
“It’s a fun game to come down and see what the new things are that are coming,” Bradshaw said.
But it’s more than an art show, it truly is a gallery. All of the pieces are for sale.
Over the years St. George city has purchased some of the sculptures, businesses have been drawn to others.
But in the end, if residents don’t like one, they only have to see it for about a year.
More information on Art Around the Corner can be found on their website, here:
http://artaroundthecorner.org/
