One of Dublin, Ohio's most unique attractions is the city's unusual public art collection. From human-size cement ears of corn that seem to sprout from one Dublin field to the copper house that honors the region's native American culture, the Dublin Arts Council's "Art in Public Places" is rich in diversity.
In 1989, DAC developed its Art in Public Places program in order to enhance the quality of life for Dublin residents, as well as to establish a public art tour that would attract visitors. The internationally recognized program has, to date, resulted in six different exhibits/sculptures:
Field of Corn and Osage Orange Trees
109 human-size ears of concrete corn stand upright in row patterns against a backdrop of Osage orange trees. Created in 1994 by Malcolm Cochran, the field celebrates Dublin's history as a farming community.
Leatherlips
The 12-foot-high sculpture crafted of local limestone, pays homage to the proud Wyandot Native American chief who lived in the area and was executed near the site of the sculpture. The first Art in Public Places project, Leatherlips was created by Boston artist Ralph Helmick in 1990.
Watch House
Created in 1998 by Columbus artist Todd Slaughter, this unique piece is a copper house which sits on top of a circular Native American-inspired earthen mound. It stands as a symbol of the connection between Dublin's native cultures and contemporary cultures.
The Jack Nicklaus Tribute Sculpture
Created by Chicago artists Jeffrey Varilla and Anna Koh-Varilla. The City of Dublin, in cooperation with Dublin Arts Council, commissioned the tribute to Jack Nicklaus to recognize the contributions made to the Dublin community by the "Golden Bear." His vision of a championship golf course surrounded by a first-class residential community became a reality in the 1970's with the creation of the internationally recognized Muirfield Village Golf Club.
TheDublin Community Recreation Center Relief Sculptures
Located in the city's Community Recreation Center. "Community Time Capsule," Running Man Frieze (after Maybridge)" and "Charting History" were created by Columbus artists David Bamber and Andrew Scott in 1996.
Going, Going, Gone!
The latest addition to DAC's Arts in Public Places, is a bronze sculpture marking the passage of time through the imagery of baseball. It was installed by Don Merkt, an Oregon based artist.
For slides or additional information about Dublin, Ohio's Art in Public Places, contact the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 245-8387 or visit our web site at www.dublinvisit.org or contact the Dublin Arts Council: www.dublinarts.org
Contact: Mary Szymkowiak, Communications Specialist marys@irishisanattitude.com