Iron Age
Rock City has purchased a permanent art piece by Roger Halligan called “Iron Age,” which has been on loan from the artist since 2009. Mr. Halligan’s sculpture has been displayed at the attraction since the first EarthDayz event several years ago. “It is about altering a place and making it extraordinary,” said Mr. Halligan of his work.
“We are very excited to finally be able to own this Roger Halligan sculpture,” said Susan Harris, president of See Rock City (SRC), Inc. “Iron Age was one of the foundational outdoor art installations at Rock City Gardens when we reinvigorated our longstanding commitment to the local art community. To be able to add it to our permanent collection is truly an honor.”
Mr. Halligan (www.rogerhalligan.com) moved here from North Carolina with his artist wife Jan Chenoweth a few years ago as part of Arts Move Chattanooga. Iron Age is constructed of welded steel, fiber and steel reinforced concrete. The sculpture was made in North Carolina and is part of a series of works heavily influenced by the many Neolithic standing stones Mr. Halligan saw while traveling to Ireland, Scotland and Wales. He is drawn to these structures because they represent some of the earliest beginnings of large-scale sculpture and architecture, but they also continue to have a strong impact on the modern viewer. For many including himself, they initiate an emotional response.
“It is so exciting for Rock City to continue to invest in the arts in the Chattanooga area,” said Jeff Raabe, director of operations for SRC, Inc. “Locally we have a rich foundation of wonderful artists, and Rock City is committed to partnering with this diverse group to do our part in supporting them.”
Rock City Gardens strives to serve as a leading cultural entertainment innovator. By partnerships with local artisans, along with the growing festival and event calendar at the attraction, Rock City seeks to provide high level quality and variety to the hundreds of thousands of guests annually.