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1 For Immediate Release Date: September 12, 2013 Contact: Lola Beatlebrox, Chair, Summit County Artscape Telephone: (435) 640-0682 E-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] 2013/2014 Summit County Artscape Outdoor Public Art Gallery Features Diverse Sculptures from Utah Artists COALVILLE, UTAH – A horse made from car parts, an airplane made by a Park City High School student, and a giant sunflower are all part of the outdoor public art gallery “Summit County Artscape,” now on exhibit on Coalville’s Main Street. Seven sculptures by Utah artists are for sale in this unique public venue. The artists responded to a nationwide call from the Summit County Public Art Advisory Board earlier this year. Duane Schmidt, Mayor of Coalville, worked closely with the public art board to select the sculptures for display in Coalville’s pocket park and Main Street sidewalks. “Voyager” by Park City High School student Zane DeKoff is an airplane fashioned from metal and displayed on a high metal rod near North Summit High School. “The ‘Around the World Art Show’ at the Kimball Art Center inspired me to make this piece,” said DeKoff. “I chose a paper airplane shape because kids around the world have made paper planes they represent fun and childhood and are so easily recognizable.” At 15 years of age, DeKoff has eclectic interests including welding, photography, drawing and sculpting. This summer, he interned with artist/welder Zafod Beatlebrox and created hundreds of metal scales for a functional vehicle in the shape of a 40-foot primordial fish. “Balance” by Midway artist Keith Lundskog is constructed of a heavy stone balancing on a stressed and dented steel cone. Lundscog’s intention is to represent the challenges afflicting humanity. “At times we may feel like collapsing under crushing pressures, yet with patience and a harmonious state of balance, we can achieve synergy,” he said.” A native of Salt Lake City, Lundskog studied art at the University of Utah. He works primarily as a mixed media artist and is inspired by “just about anything.” Seventeen years ago, he took up hot air ballooning and is currently working on a series titled “The Flight of the Balloon” and “Weather.” “Fawn” by Salt Lake artist Kristi Mercer is a 34-inch fawn made of hand wrought steel. “For the last ten years, my work has centered around the nurturing power of nature and the co- existence of our wildlife,” Mercer explained. “My art makes me feel connected to the elegant creation process and touches my soul.” ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 “Horse of Engine” by Albert Neeley, brother of artist Milt Neeley whose “Leaf Dancer” won the People’s Choice Award in 2011, is a horse whose legs are created from pistons and whose body includes the engine and timing belt. Born and raised in Ogden, Neeley studied art at Weber State University and learned to weld while working for Metal Creations in Ogden. “Flower” by Hooper artist Milt Neeley is an oversized metal sunflower. He specializes in architectural projects such as a 150-foot Topiary Worm, installed at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Virginia. This summer Neeley’s “Leaf Dancer” inspired community spirit when she was costumed by ten volunteer dressers as a firefighter, circus ringmaster, and “Super Librarian,”just to name a few examples. Two artists from last season will continue exhibiting. Park City metal sculptor Zafod Beatlebrox created the “Dragon Mailbox” whose quirky theme inspires tourists to take their picture under its eight-foot wing span. Salt Lake artist Dan Toone’s “Guardians,” a set of three rust patina steel columns with stainless steel wrap, marks the entrance of Coalville’s pocket park. “Fragmented Spiral” by Bill “Kranny” Kranstover will also stay on display. Park City’s renowned “phantom sculptor” has donated the steel and chrome piece to the Coalville. “Our City Council is honored to receive this gift,” said Mayor Duane Schmidt. “We are also grateful to the Summit County Public Art Advisory Board for their continuing support in making this exhibit a success.” Coalville will raise funds up to $3,500 to purchase the "Peoples Choice Award" next spring, Mayor Schmidt added. Voting will be held by online and paper ballot in April, 2014. Residents who would like to purchase an art piece for their home or ranch can contact the County Manager’s office in the Courthouse or the offices of the City of Coalville. Summit County Artscape is modeled after public art programs in Grand Junction, Colorado and Bozeman, Montana. Participation in the project is a way by which Summit County’s municipalities can beautify their streets and create a deeper sense of place through art. The Summit County Board of Commissioners created the Summit County Public Art Program and Advisory Board in April 2008, tasking it with completing a strategic art plan for the County. The Board also makes recommendations to the County Council and County Manager regarding public art and funding opportunities. The mission of the Board is to celebrate and unite Summit County residents through art. For more information go to www.summitcounty.org/publicart and www.coalvillecity.org/publicart or contact Lola Beatlebrox, Chair, Summit County Artscape, at (435) 640-0682. # Photos and interview contact information available upon request. Fox and KSL News links available at www.coalvillecity.org/publicart