12th annual Decatur Sculpture Tour begins Friday

By BOB SHRALUKA

WZBD.com

Decatur’s 12th annual Sculpture Tour will be held downtown Friday.

The city has become well-known across Indiana and even in many states of the nation for its sculptures, with the program having begun in 2012 at the urging of local artist Greg Mendez.

The new sculptures will be installed by city workers starting at 8 .m. Friday. People are welcome to come downtown to see the installations as well as the Plein Air artists who will be painting throughout the area in the morning and early afternoon.

The day will include activities for children, live music, food vendors, dance performances, and more.

The announcement of awards is set for 5:45 p.m., followed by a “welcome” by Mayor Dan Rickord, and the unveiling of statues beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Many of the artists will be on hand.

“Owling at The Moon” by Gary Hovey (see photo) was the winner of the 2022 Peoples’ Choice Award

Following is Friday’s schedule:

8-11 a.m., Sculpture installations,

8-9 a.m., Plein Air paint-out check-in.

2-4 p.m., Children’s sculpture activity.

4-8 p.m., Food vendors open.

4:30-7:30 p.m., Plein Air contest paintings on sale.

4:30-8 p.m. Live music.

5-7 p.m., Children’s chalk walk.

5:15 p.m., Razz ‘M Jazz performance.

5:45 p.m., Announcement of awards

6 p.m., Mayor’s welcome.

6:15 p.m., Unveiling of sculptures begins.