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    Columbus Artist to Unveil Large Scale Commission for Westerville’s Towers Park

    In a commission by the City of Westerville, Columbus sculptor Anthony Ball is set to install a large-scale “sculptural canopy” for Towers Park. The commission is set to be unveiled in late August or early September 2018.

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    Construction of the canopy at Tork’s studio. Photo courtesy of Tork Collaborative Arts.

    The sculpture, called “Nature’s First Green,” will be constructed with aluminum and tiled with a colorful mosaic formed by hundreds of hand-tinted, semi-transparent tiles. The sculpture will stand nearly 17 feet tall and span 23 feet.

    The canopy will be central to a new children’s play area and function as a reimagined park shelter, designed as a “sculptural focal point that just happens to provide respite from direct sunlight,” says Tracie Ball, operations manager at Tork Collaborative Arts, an art and design firm co-founded by Anthony Ball.

    Westerville is considered a thought leader in planning “parks that don’t look like parks,” and opted for modern cafe furnishings rather than traditional wood picnic tables for the canopy, Ball says.

    Ball notes this commission is somewhat of a departure from his previous public works—including commissions in Grove City, Springfield, and Cleveland—saying it “walks to the very edge of sculpture and knocks on the door of architecture.” With this project also functioning as a shelter, Ball sought out the help of local architect Tim Lai, as well as sculptural engineers and other professionals to advise on building code compliance and permits.

    With this piece, Ball intends to engage the viewer’s “childlike awe,” as well as provide art that is accessible for all. Westerville Parks became the ideal partner for a piece like this, Ball says.

    “Westerville understands the importance of art accessibility and art in the public space,” Ball explains. “I have spent much of my career bypassing galleries in favor of accessible spaces like parks, gardens, and landscapes. My art doesn’t require explanation, it requires interaction.”

    For more information about Anthony Ball and Tork Collaborative Arts, visit torkworks.com.

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    Taijuan Moorman
    Taijuan Moormanhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Taijuan Moorman is a former reporter and social media specialist for Columbus Underground and The Metropreneur who covered civics, arts, entertainment, lifestyle, and business news and features.
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