Local streets turned Sculpture Park

(Newburgh) - The streets of Newburgh’s Waterfront district and Heritage Corridor (Front Street to Liberty Street) have been transformed into a sculpture park since early July, under the direction of Kerry Mills, with the support of newly formed, Newburgh Arts Commission. Artists have come from all over to create site-specific sculptures for the City of Newburgh. They have used their impressions, experience and knowledge of the city to create place-responsive sculptures. This is possible through a grant from the Puffin Foundation and the support of local businesses.
Many people agree that this area of the city should be a “walkable” city center. The Sculpture Project is a first step toward that goal. With maps to guide them from sculpture to sculpture, viewers will walk this often forgotten downtown and have the opportunity to see it in a new way. Maps are available at local businesses libraries.
There is a lot of talk lately (throughout the past 30 years) about the revitalization of Newburgh. Inviting artists to explore and create original work based on what they discover will hopefully shed light on Newburgh’s current vitality. The sculptors will all give different views of Newburgh through their installations. Some are environmental artist; others make socially and politically significant work, while still others deal with place on a personal level.
This work is for everyone to interact with. Those of us unaccustomed to going to galleries or museums are free to experience this work in our own terms on our own time.
During the exhibit, which will run through November, there will be artist talks, informal, free and open to the public, in which sculptors will explain what they have made and why. The many different views of Newburgh expressed in the sculptures along with the input of the audience will together make up a portrait of Newburgh.
According to Ms. Mills “The engagement of the public is what makes a public artwork successful”.
The exhibit will run through November 1st. To find out more information visit the websit at www.newburghsculptureproject.org. Pictured Above: “Nuclear Flowers” by Thom Joyce. Pictured to the Right: Franc Palaia’s “Photo-Sail” can be viewed between Colden Street and Water Street.