Dublin Arts Council challenged students from three Dublin City Schools middle and high school programs to create temporary public artwork inspired by Dublin’s Scioto Park. Nearly 200 students worked collaboratively to create two- and three-dimensional public artworks embracing nature, environmental awareness and Indigenous history.
Students interpreted elements of the community’s spirit through their creative process. The project will include an accompanying fieldbook and digital experience to encourage visitor interaction and discovery. Fieldbooks are available in ARTboxes around the community, at Dublin Art Council, or can be downloaded here.
The installation is on view during park hours, dawn to dusk, through August 2022. The reception is appropriate for all ages and is free of charge. It is not necessary to register.
Enjoy a virtual walkthrough and learn more by clicking the image below:
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Participants and projects:
Davis Middle School Art Club
The Fishingtons’ Day at the Park
Medium: Clay
Sculptures along the riverbank inspired by early settlers’ and present-day recreation
teacher Eric Cacioppo
ARTIST STATEMENT: Our artwork is inspired by the local history of Dublin. We researched settler Ludwig Sells and his sons who made their home in what is now historic downtown Dublin. We imagined the Sells family would fish together along the shores of the Scioto River. We combined this research with what is going on in our lives in present-day Dublin during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are tired of the restrictions on how we can socialize and spend time with friends. Because of this, we wanted to create artwork that made people smile and be happy. We hope the fish bring humor, surprise and opportunities to interact in new ways!
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Emerald Campus IB Art, Period 7
Lady by the Water
Medium: Clay, mixed-medium, found materials
Metal sculpture near the river recognizes Indigenous Wyandotte history, folklore and environmental care-taking.
teacher Sarah Rothwell
ARTIST STATEMENT: Dublin is rich with Native American history and culture, many of whose legends center around water and its purity. We pay tribute to the previous occupants of Dublin through Lady by the Water, a water spirit symbolizing the river and pollution. The figure’s kneeling position demonstrates the pain and weakness she has been caused by pollution; while the flowers growing from her hands symbolize growth and hope for a cleaner, healthier future. We hope this sculpture raises awareness of pollution of the Scioto River and encourages visitors to pick up trash while visiting the park.
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Emerald Campus IB Art, Period 8
Murkclops, Fungi, & Woodland Twig
Medium: Clay and wire
Figurative sculptures inspire connection to the park’s terrain; trees, river and playground
teacher Sarah Rothwell
ARTIST STATEMENT: This whimsical trio of creatures encourages exploration and wonder for visitors of all ages. Each figure personifies an element of the natural world, including wood, water and earth. Their riddles provide clues to their hidden locations. Win their friendship by collecting their desired natural tokens.
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Karrer Middle School
More than Man-Made
Medium: Cement tile; paint
Student-painted pavers create a colorful pathway around a legacy tree
teacher Marlo Brown
ARTIST STATEMENT: We were inspired by this osage orange tree and how it has become a unique landmark in Scioto Park. What makes it so special is that it was created naturally, with no influence of man in its creation. To draw visitors to this natural wonder, we used art to extend the existing concrete path toward and around the tree. Each tile was created by an individual artist depicting scenes of nature in Ohio. We invite you to walk the path to enjoy our artwork and the beauty of the tree.
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Click to watch a news segment about the project from Spectrum News 1:
The project is part of Dublin Arts Council’s multi-year Art & Wellness initiative, realized with support from Dublin City Schools, City of Dublin, Cardinal Health, Ohio Arts Council and The National Endowment for the Arts.
Additional collaborators include Washington Township EMS, Syntero Counseling Centers, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, OhioDance, Japan-America Society of Central Ohio, Dublin Bridges and several City of Dublin departments, including Police, Human Resources, Recreation Services and Parks and Recreation.
