Arise by artist Andy Light was the top vote recipient with over 20,000 votes cast online and at over 10 locations throughout Hixson.
The Friends of Hixson announced the outcome of voting for the newest installation of public art in the city through the Art in the Neighborhood initiative.
The announcement was made by Friends of Hixson President Marv Martin at Wednesday’s Chamber of Commerce meeting.
“We’re extremely pleased with the response we received from voters – both online and in paper ballots,” he said. With over 20,000 votes cast, we feel certain that the community was widely involved. The selection of Arise demonstrates that public art does initiate a response from citizens, and we’re excited to work with future groups and locations on such worthwhile public art projects.
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In the coming weeks, the sculpture will be moved into place at the intersection of Access Road and Hixson Pike.
Art in the Neighborhood is a partnership between the Lyndhurst Foundation and Public Art Chattanooga, which allows city council districts to obtain art for long-term public display or for purchase. The program encourages public decision making in determining the best piece of art to reflect the diversity and rich history of Chattanooga’s neighborhoods.
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District 3 Councilwoman Pam Ladd said, “I am very pleased that this particular piece of art was selected to represent Hixson. However, I’m even more thrilled that over 20,000 votes were cast in the selection process. This truly underscores the fact that people care about public art and want to be involved.”
Public Art Chattanooga Board Chair Lillie Wills said, “The process for selecting public art varies from neighborhood to neighborhood; however, the constant in each process is the pride that the community has when these pieces are installed. Art provides a sense of place, a meaningful way for communities to work together and a vehicle to promote economic development. It adds to our quality of life and we are grateful to have this wonderful addition for the Hixson community.”
Andy Light is a resident of Lexington, Ky., and is studio assistant, fabricator and welder at John Henry Sculptor, Inc. Mr. Light previously served as fabricator and welder at Bettinger Welding in Tallahassee, Florida, and at Ironbridge Open Air Museum in Coalbrookedale, England. His works have been exhibited in Florida at Art Without Walls, Florida State Museum, Railroad Square Sculpture Park and 621 Gallery and in Lexington, Kentucky, at Downtown Arts Center, Intrinsic Gallery and Keystone Gallery. “Arise” was previously exhibited in the Sculpture on Campus Program at the University of Kentucky.