The Roaring River Cultural Alliance is bringing new life to the square in Gainesboro by publicly displaying artwork created by local artists.
Roaring River Cultural Alliance President Valerie Goetz said the art is called the Wind Exhibition and is Gainesboro’s first outdoor, kinetic, and mobile exhibit. Valerie said during the winter months, there is not much that can be done with plants to enhance the atmosphere of the downtown area, and so the alliance decided that displaying sculptures could fill that void.
“All of the artists that are featured are local artists, and their sculptures are around the square to enjoy the sunlight, the wind, and the rain, and to bring entertainment to people who come to town,” Valerie Goetz said.
One of the sculptures on display is called “ORBIT,” made by Alliance Treasurer Tom Goetz. Tom Goetz said the sculpture is made strictly from repurposed materials.
“It has a rounded outside, and it has another rounded piece on the inside, and it has another rounded piece on it,” Tom Goetz said. “So it kind of simulates an orbit of planets and or celestial beings, and it spins, and it turns in the wind.”
The seven sculptures on display have a display that explains who created the piece and the story behind it. Tom Goetz said he created the sculpture by using his imagination.
“Just working with one thing and seeing it spinning in the wind, and doing something else and just adding to it, and just having fun with it,” Tom Goetz said.
Valerie Goetz said the sculptures will be on display for a few months until the weather is better suited for flower baskets. Valerie Goetzsaid she hopes the sculptures will encourage people to express themselves through art.
“I believe that it gets them more confident,” Valerie Goetz said. “I believe that even people who see it hanging can’t help but smile. We have not heard, hopefully, knock on wood, not a negative comment about any of the pieces, so it’s been very positive not only for the artist but for the community as they see the pieces.”
Valerie Goetz said since starting the alliance over a year ago, she has realized that there are more people into art in Gainesboro than most people think. Valerie Goetz said she encourages those who are interested in having a sculpture displayed to reach out and get involved with the alliance.