Nine new sculptures have been added to Oxford’s Yokna Sculpture Trail as a new exhibition schedule begins. The sculptures are located at Lamar Park, the University of Mississippi Museum, Powerhouse Community Art Center and Meek Hall.
Founded in 2015, the trail consists of 15 to 20 large-scale sculptures placed throughout the campus and community.
With a staggered two-year exhibition schedule, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council welcomes admissions from local and regional artists. Each artist is able to enter up to three works to be considered.
“When community members see themselves reflected in social spaces, they feel a sense of respect, ultimately allowing people to identify with the place they are from, live in or are visiting,” YAC Director Wayne Andrews said. “The sculpture trail works to engage artists from different backgrounds, skills, and traditions to create a more cohesive community.”
A committee of Oxford community members, YAC members, University of Mississippi students and UM museum staff review artists’ submissions and select sculptures to be installed.
The UM Department of Art Sculpture faculty and members of the UM Sculpture Society lead installation crews and work with artists to coordinate the process.
“Part of the fun of the sculpture trail is taking time to reflect on each of the different works and imagining what the artist was inspired by and the feeling or message they are trying to share with the work. While the artist has a vision, concept and thoughts behind the creation, it is a two-way conversation as to what the viewer brings to the work,” Andrews said.
The chosen artists will have their sculptures placed along the sculpture trail.
“We hope to increase access to the arts, connect our community members to the resources in Lafayette County such as the arts council and museum and highlight the talent in the students and instructors at the University of Mississippi,” Andrews said.
Five of the statues chosen by the committee, including Jen Torres’s “When Home No Longer Makes Any Sense,” Tim Glovers’s “USA Monument,” James Wade’s “Prairie Stack,” John Walrod’s “Space Cowboy” — also known as “Boldly Go Rodeo” — and Earl Dismuke’s “Big Dreamer,” have been added to the walking trail that winds through Lamar Park.
UM Museum now hosts Allen Peterson’s “Iron Beehive,” and John Bannon’s “Drop #3” and Reynaldo Alaniz’s “Madre” will soon arrive at the UM Museum for visitors to view.
Ellis Barber’s “Sentinel” is set to join the collection of creative works in the Powerhouse Sculpture Garden.
Andrews stressed the importance of having publicly accessible art.
“Engaging in public art generates excitement and ultimately leads to increased foot traffic, which benefits surrounding businesses,” Andrews said. “Art brings people together. Displaying art in public places and making it accessible to everyone inspires engagement and a feeling of belonging to a community.”
