Vicki Gainous enjoys the new public art in the UnVacant lot .
An additional Oak Leaf sculpture was unveiled at the Thomasville Center for the Arts to match the public art at the lot .
“ In previous years , Downtown Thomasville , Main Street and the Center for the Arts have worked with private donors to commission new sculptures for the Wildlife Arts Festival ,” explained Main Street Manager Brandy Avery . “ Those sculptures consisted of the bronze animals that you see located on Broad Street and Jackson Street .”
Seeing a need to create more movement in the Downtown Creative District , Avery , Norton and Public Art Director Darlene Taylor decided to transition from the bronze animal into a new initiative , “ Take Root .”
“ Take Root ” will serve as a visual metaphor for deep community roots and as a physical reminder of the importance of protecting and sustaining the flora and fauna of the Red Hills region .
The installation was collaboratively designed by Florida State University ’ s Erin Riley and Dr . Marlo Randell of Studio D , with creative direction given by Taylor . Fabricated by Hurst Boiler and their creative team of engineers , CAD technicians , welders and assemblers , the process was a heartfelt effort by all .
Festival Director Mariam Mirabzadeh explained this installation would have never been possible without people like Kellett and Perkins , who came before she and Taylor , as they invested their time and support to the Center for the Arts .
Kellet ’ s son-in-law , Brent Smith thanked Mirabzdeh for the kind dedication .
“ We thank you for this recognition and to the artists who are involved ,” Smith said . “ He would be very humbled to be recognized .”
Also in attendance was Anne Perkins , who spoke on her late husband ’ s life and thanked the Center for the Arts for the honor .
Following their speeches , the new installment was unveiled , with those in attendance taking photographs and enjoying the first of 17 events to kick off the Wildlife Arts Festival .
20 January 2024 | Thomasville Scene