A New Public Art Sculpture, “Tails to Rails”
A New Public Art Sculpture, “Tails to Rails”
Emotional, connected and energized. Three words Dale uses to describe how he feels about his new public art sculpture, “Tails to Rails”.
Emotional
The sculpture was installed in its final resting place in downtown Tryon, NC in Nov 2017. Launching a new public art initiative in our hometown and honoring two caring and generous people, Jackie and Bob Lane who love Tryon, was a deeply emotional experience.
The anxiety of moving a thousand pound plus stone base with a backhoe heightened the emotional level. Watching the base twirl in the air before being gently put down inside the drained fountain certainly tests your nerves. And finally, mounting the sculpture (all 9 pieces) to complete the installation and making sure they were lined up perfectly added to the drama.
Connected
Feeling a connection with the enthusiastic crowd ready for the unveiling, Dale spoke about the sculpture and its inspiration. Also, we both sensed a connection with the town’s railroad heritage and nature as we looked at the mourning doves perched on the rail watching the unveiling.
Energized
And energized describes not only Dale’s excitement at the moment but our current feeling as well. The stone original has found its forever home. A beautiful addition to our downtown area. But what next?
As Dale created the stone original, we started thinking how can we help conservation causes using the sculpture? After consulting Carolina Bronze, a foundry with which we are partnering, we decided to cast a limited edition bronze with profits donated to wildlife and environmental causes. Now that gets your energy flowing!
Public Art
So where does one put a bronze of two mourning doves on a railroad tie? Well, think wildlife corridors created by the rails to trails systems. Or railroad towns interested in wildlife conservation and public art. Maybe a centerpiece in a public or private garden. It is a gift that keeps giving, so let us know if you would like the doves to land in your neighborhood!