Time to enjoy ‘fresh air’ art exhibit

It all began with two monumental bronze longhorn sculptures, created by Robert Summers for The Cattle Drive, Pioneer Plaza, Dallas, standing guard over Main Plaza 2011-2012.

Then president of Hill Country Council for the Arts, Doris Perez, explained to the press, “The longhorns are on long-term loan from Texas Trees Foundation to introduce the idea of accessible art on display throughout Boerne.”

Following installation of the long-term temporary exhibit, the city of Boerne and Gateways committee partnered with Hill Country Council for the Arts to create a Public Art Master Plan; Hill Country Mile and Texas Treasures Fine Arts Gallery joined the alliance to create and execute the Art Alfresco competition.

We suggest to residents, old and new, as well as newcomers to Boerne and visitors to surrounding Hill Country, that springtime is the perfect time of year to enjoy Art Alfresco, Boerne's “fresh air” public art exhibit.

The sculptures are located throughout historic downtown, the Hill Country Mile, and along Boerne's trail system, potentially making the discovery of each sculpture a walkable adventure.

Public art establishes meaning: a better sense of identity and understanding of where we live, work and visit. It allows us to create memorable moments with friends and family.

It brings a sense of humanity to our built environment; provides the crossroads between past, present and future; and can add to the economic success of communities.

Favorites from the Art Alfresco collection are Traction by Art Fairchild, located in front of Patrick Heath Public Library; Lucky Ducks by Marianne Caroselli, Main Plaza; Solar Wind by Patricia Vader, 106 City Park Road; and Bull by Jeffie Brewer, Highway 46 at Esser Road.

A self-guided tour to Boerne's Art Alfresco is available at www.artalfresco.com. Here you will see images of sculptures, the artists who participated in the competitions, and voice recordings of their inspirations. Additionally, other sculptures were donated to the city’s Art Alfresco and a map indicating locations of the entire collection.

Paula Horner is president of the Hill Country Council for the Arts.