The City of Chattanooga, along with Hamilton County Government, announced today that Public Art Chattanooga has commissioned a world-renowned sculptor to create a gateway art installation, which will welcome people to the newest segment of the Tennessee Riverwalk. The installation planned for the recently completed Blue Goose Hollow trailhead is thanks to giving from the Benwood Foundation and Lyndhurst Foundation, totaling $650,000 in private funding.
“Recognizing the importance of public art to the vitality of our neighborhoods, public and private partners have come together to ensure artists are engaged in the place-making of the Tennessee Riverpark extension,” says Katelyn Kirnie, director of Public Art Chattanooga. “When art, creativity and their work are used as a tool to activate our public spaces, it not only animates the built environment, but also enhances local businesses and contributes to public safety."
The first commission for the new section of the Riverwalk has been awarded to Albert Paley, who is known for his large-scale public sculptures worldwide. Albert Paley’s design called, “Resurgence: A Statement of Celebration,” features two free-standing sculptures that visually interact to draw visitors to the Riverpark and give Blue Goose Hollow its own identity and prominence in Chattanooga’s landscape, officials said.
The community selection panel of city and county representatives, neighborhood residents and business owners selected the artwork after launching a competitive RFQ process, followed by a design development phase, which resulted in five different artist design concepts. Mr. Paley’s winning design was chosen for its reflection of the diverse history of the site – its people, community and commerce, as well as the social and political change it has experienced.
The smaller sculpture in the installation, which is 14 by 14 feet, will be located at the east entrance to the park, greeting visitors as they approach the Riverwalk from the parking area. The larger, monumental sculpture, which is 50 feet tall and 18 feet wide, will be located along the river, acting as a major landmark and drawing park visitors’ attention to the panoramic views of the river and adjacent hills. Installation is planned for early May 2018.