Page 102 - Abilene Living

Every community has those things that set them apart from all others. Sometimes it is the people; sometimes it is the landscape or culture. In Abilene, all three have come together to give their community a unique partnership in West Texas art. It’s hard to believe that 30 years have passed since a volunteer committee comprised of artists, architects and other interested individuals organized the frst Abilene Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition in 1981 as part of Abilene’s Centennial celebration. The exhibit was created to provide citizens with an opportunity to observe public art without the usual requirements of permanent installation and large monetary commitment. The artwork is sometimes there for a short period for all to see, and occasionally they become a permanent part of Abilene’s landscape. In the beginning, local artists were asked to participate. A decade later, the decision

was made to invite noted art educators or authorities in public sculpture to provide the art for the show. This past decade, esteemed sculptors teaching in University art departments were invited to participate. Over the years, many noted artists and their works have been featured. The art community would concur Mesteno by Luis Jimenez is certainly one of the most signifcant, as Jimenez is recognized as one of the premiere American artists of the 21 st century. Mesteno is currently displayed at the University of Oklahoma.

Abilene certainly has an affnity for Throckmorton sculptor Joe Barrington whose work has been purchased for permanent display more than any other exhibiting artist. Four Ravens, Never More (near the Abilene Zoo entrance ), Pink Flamingo, Deer Antlers (North 1st Street), Broken Bull Skull

(South 1st Street) and Texas Horned Toad (at Frontier Texas) are enjoyed by Abilenians on a daily basis.

If you were to ask which sculptures stand out as having created the most discussion, community reaction and passion over the last thirty years, the answer would have to be Wayne Amerine’s Herd of Cows and Bob Wade’s Dino Bob.