The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) and the Saluda Shoals Foundation have announced the unveiling of a large public art project at Saluda Shoals Park.
The unveiling ceremony will take place this Tuesday, June 13, from 6:30 – 8 pm at the River Center, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia. The artist will be present to discuss her piece and celebrate the unveiling.
The free-standing sculpture “Egrets” was designed and fabricated by internationally-known artist Babette Bloch, a pioneer in the use of laser-cut and water jet-cut stainless steel in creating figurative works of art. Her sculptures explore form and the interplay between object and light, reflect their environments, and expand the ways in which stainless steel is used in contemporary art.
Her approach can be found in public commissions in her silhouetted and larger-than-life-sized “Reflecting History” series, seen in Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC, Hudson Heritage Farm, Ganges, MI, the Chimei Museum, Tainan, Taiwan, and Enterprise Corporate Park, Shelton, CT.
Babette Bloch: Steel Garden, an exhibit of works from her “Reflecting Nature” series has traveled extensively to museums and Sculpture Gardens across America. Bloch’s floral and wildlife sculptures are on view in museums and private collections in the U.S. and in Europe.
“We are very excited for renowned artist, Babette Bloch, to bring such a beautiful piece of art into our park for the community to enjoy,” said Lindsay Hudson, Saluda Shoals Park director. “This installation is part of a bigger initiative at Saluda Shoals Park to offer Midland’s residents and visitors more opportunities to experience public art in the park.”
The project was funded through the Saluda Shoals Foundation and the C. W. and Dorothy G. Love Foundation and supports Saluda Shoals Park’s mission to provide art and cultural opportunities to the community. The public is invited to view the sculpture during regular park hours. “Egrets” will be located at the River Center at Saluda Shoals Park.
