With its bright colors and circus theme, “Unstoppable,” a 15-foot-tall aluminum sculpture, was set into place Monday at 11th and Broad Streets.
“It’s called Unstoppable because we believe the human spirit is free, and this is inspired by the freedom of the spirit,” said Lina Ocamposilva. She and her husband, Gus, have been sculptors for 18 years.
The Tampa, Fla., couple came to Augusta Jan. 18 to install the piece, which is one of 10 sculptures in the Augusta Sculpture Trail. Pieces will be along Broad Street, near Riverwalk and at the Augusta Common.
While the Ocamposilvas have worked in other mediums, they said they like aluminum best because of its durability. They want their pieces outside because they can be appreciated by many people.
“We want to share our passion for art,” she said. “Whenever we get the opportunity to share our art with others, we do.”
Outdoor art gives people who might not necessarily go to a museum or a gallery, the chance to see art and experience it, she said.
Pax Bobrow, the project manager for the Greater Augusta Arts Council, said the project is the culmination of several months of planning. The organization issued a call for sculptures in the fall and received 120 applications nationwide.
“I was worried that no one would know Augusta existed,” she said, adding she was amazed with the response.
The 10 pieces were reviewed by a committee and voted on.
Bobrow said the panel is made up of a diverse group of Augustans.
The pieces are stationed throughout the downtown area allowing people to view them at their leisure; however, there is an interactive element to the trail. People can download the Otocast app to find out more about the sculpture in the artist’s own words.
The app also offers opportunities to earn badges and other fun tidbits.
The city is renting the sculptures for two years. At the end of that period, at least one of the sculptures will remain in the city permanently.
“All of the sculptures are for sale,” said Bobrow. “Anyone can purchase them for themselves, a business or donate them to the city.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the sculpture trail will be at 1 p.m., Feb. 6, at Riverwalk. Augusta jazz musician Karen Gordon will provide entertainment, and Billy S will paint live.
Bobrow said other activities will be added over the course of the next two years.
For more information, visit www.augustasculpturetrail.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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