ARTICLE
The City of Marion will celebrate the addition of two large-scale sculptures at Lowe Park on Saturday, Nov. 18 with an open house from 1-3 p.m. Join Chamber ambassadors, City leaders, members of the Marion Arts Council and the sculpture artists for the ribbon cutting and program at 1:30 p.m. In the fall of 2016, the Marion Arts Council commissioned a subcommittee of volunteers to select art for the Sculpture Trail at Lowe Park. The committee conducted a national search and brought forth two sculptures from different artists, both depicting the history of the land and hope for its future. The City of Marion is proud to announce the selection and installation of “Disappearing Culture” by J. Aaron Alderman and “Prairie Revival” by Reinaldo Correa. About the Art J. Aaron Alderman’s piece, “Disappearing Culture,” highlights the history of the Iowa Plains. The 6 ½ foot by 9 foot-long bison leads a series of four figures across the plains. The artist’s decision to solely use railroad spikes and anchors correlates to Marion’s railroad history. The bison represents the freedom and abundance of the land in the early years. Subsequent figures represent a farmer shouldering simple tools, a settler carrying a basket full of corn, a Native American holding a medicine wheel and a simple figure representing time itself. The piece is situated west of the amphitheater and is surrounded by prairie grasses and wild flowers. Reinaldo Correa’s installation, “Prairie Revival” appears at the park’s main entrance on North 10th Street. The 17 foot-tall piece features an elevated steel spiral that grows out of the landscape and an arch that serves as a central focal point. The piece is adorned with 20 foot-high plasma cut cattails. It embodies the cycle and character of the prairie and according to the artist, serves as a metaphor for beauty, change, new beginnings, endurance and revival. About Lowe Park Lowe Park (pronounced lau) was gifted to the City of Marion by George and Alyce Lowe in 1999. The 188-acre park spans one mile east to west and over a quarter of a mile north to south. The park celebrates both the arts and the environment, and serves as a destination for outdoor recreation, concerts, art exhibits, musical performances and community gatherings. “Our family is honored and thrilled that people enjoy the park every day,” said Alyce Lowe. “I am thankful to the City for honoring us and our family legacy with the beautiful and well-thought out master plan and especially these two new pieces of art in the park.” All are welcome to attend the art dedication and open house on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1-3 p.m.