Stephen Shachtman's A, beat out a similar geometrically shaped sculpture and a banana on roller skates to win the 2017 Sculpture at the River Market Public Monument Competition, held April 21-23. Shachtman, of Denver, won the $60,000 commission to duplicate A full scale.
Little Rock's art community had the opportunity to meet some 50 sculptors and see their work during the 2017 Sculpture at the River Market Show & Sale under the River Market Pavilions. Guests at a VIP event April 21 voted on the top three finalists, then the winner was announced Sunday. The other finalists were Jack Hill of DeLand, Fla., with On a Roll and Ted Schaal's Dropsy. Schaal calls Loveland, Colo., home.
Scott Carter, who handles special projects for the city manager, deemed the weekend a success. "The artists enjoyed strong sales and the chance to interact with Little Rock residents," he said.
"They commented on how much they enjoyed talking to Little Rock residents, while making new friends and renewing old acquaintances." Visitors could also tour the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and see the work being done to expand it. All proceeds go to buy sculptures to be placed in the garden.
Diamond Chef winner Mary Beth Ringgold and her crew from Capers kept the buffet stocked with rare tuna on a crisp wonton with wasabi aioli guacamole in tomato phyllo cups, Mediterranean cheesecake, cheddar burgers, in-house smoked salmon with mini rye bread and chicken enchilada turnovers with salsa.
-- Story and photos by Cyd King
High Profile on 04/30/2017