Published: April 15, 2008 12:00 am         

Work begins to install Arts Corridor’s newest sculpture

TERRE HAUTE — Site preparation is under way at Seventh and Poplar streets for installation of the new sculpture, “Gatekeeper.” Art Spaces Inc. and the Vigo County Public Library will dedicate the sculpture next week.

The artist, Sally Rogers, of Penland, N.C., built the sculpture of stainless steel and Dakota mahogany granite. She will be present at the dedication. Standing more than 12 feet tall, “Gatekeeper” will be erected on the grounds of the downtown library as both a visual and symbolic entrance to the Arts Corridor and beyond.

Rogers has exhibited in many gallery and museum exhibitions, both nationally and internationally, including the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte, N.C., and the Appleton Museum of Arts in Ocala, Fla. She has been represented by The Galerie Internationale Du Verre, in Biot, France, since 1990, and has been affiliated for many years with Imago Galleries, in Palm Desert, Calif., and with Blue Spiral One Gallery, in Asheville, N.C. Her work has been exhibited at S.O.F.A. Chicago and is included in many magazine and book publications. She works full time in her studio in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Mitchell County, N.C.

Art Spaces is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to establish a collection of public outdoor sculpture in Terre Haute and the surrounding region of the Wabash Valley. This is accomplished through collaboration with the city of Terre Haute, area arts organizations, foundations, corporations, businesses and individuals. “Gatekeeper” will be the first sculpture installed by Art Spaces in 2008. “Tree,” a sculpture by Mark Wallis, was installed at the Stadium Memorial Grounds in August 2007. “Composite House for Terre Haute” by Lauren Ewing was installed in Gilbert Park in early November 2007 and “Spirit of Space” by Bob Emser was installed in December 2007 in front of the Swope Art Museum.

“Gatekeeper” has been made possible through a major grant from the Hollie and Anna Oakley Foundation and a gift from the Friends of the Vigo County Public Library.

The sculpture dedication is free and open to the public, at 4:30 p.m. April 24 at the library. Refreshments will be served. For more information on the dedication or this project, call Mary Kramer at the Art Spaces office at (812) 244-4216 or e-mail info@wabashvalleyartspaces.com.