The Monroe Art Guild held a dedication ceremony for our new sculpture garden September 27, 2003. Located downtown next to Wachovia, the guild has installed new landscaping and art converting a simple courtyard into a downtown park complete with sculpture. A new walkway with in-laid stepping stones created by guild artists in the ceramics classes make the garden handicap accessible. Creative artistic treatments of the courtyard walkways provide a fun approach to old sidewalks.This project was undertaken by the guild in the spring of 2003 with support from the City of Monroe. The project received physical support from the city's Public Works Department and financial support from the Walton, Walker and Wachovia Foundations, as well as Land Arts who donated the professional landscape plan designed by Jane Bath. The Downtown Business Association, John and Nancy Nunnally, Gloria & Gerald Sheppard, and Larry & Shirley Johnson made additional financial contributions. Susan Carlan, past Guild director, stated, "This effort is part of our continuing goal to give back to the community that supports us. We have invested just over $7000 in creating a new public park for Monroe," she added.
Sculpture installations will be offered by the University of Georgia Sculpture Department under the leadership of Larry Millard, Department Head. Area artists are also welcome to apply for displays. Exhibits will rotate throughout the year featuring original works created by undergraduate and graduate-level students from UGA. A permanent collection piece, "E.T. Phone Home," is a folk art sculpture by Rutledge, Ga. artist, Blue Chilton. Comprised of reconditioned bicycle and car parts, this whimsical piece features the famous character appearing to ride off into the sky. Another feature of the garden is a custom-built oriental-style arbor created by artist and guild member, Jim Dillon, owner of Spirit Hill Woodworks of Covington.In addition to the financial supporters, community partners in this project include the Explorer Scouts, Down to Earth Landscaping/Crista Carrell, the City of Monroe Public Works Department, County Agent William Carlan, the Evergreen Garden Club, The Outdoor Lights of Cumming, Sherwin Williams, and the guild's ceramics and painting classes. Contributions to the guild are tax deductible.
Donations may be sent to the Monroe Art Guild, P.O. Box 125, Monroe, GA 30655.
