Here’s a press release about Roanoke’s latest public art project to come to fruition.

The City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Arts Commission will dedicate the new sculpture titled “Reading Garden” on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m. at the Gainsboro Branch Library, 15 Patton Ave. The event will take place rain or shine, and will include music and refreshments and a presentation by artist Madeline Wiener.

Ms. Wiener, of Denver, Colo., was selected by a citizen panel to create this outdoor sculpture for the recently remodeled Gainsboro branch. “Reading Garden” is functional art carved from Indiana Limestone and was created specifically for the Gainsboro site, with books being a prominent element and reading as the theme of the work.

A unique feature of this public art project has been the opportunities for community interaction. Wiener held workshops at the library in June to explain the process and encourage citizens to submit ideas for art and prose to be etched into the sculpture. At the time of installation, Wiener will show a film detailing the entire process of creating “Reading Garden,” where she works with tools from large chain saws to fine chisels. She will invite participants to help with the final polishing of the pieces. She will also bring chips that have been carved from the original stone and the public will be able to file or paint their own chip to take home as a memento of the larger artwork.

To find out more about the city’s Public Art Program, go to www.roanokeva.gov/publicart; or contact Susan Jennings, Arts and Culture Coordinator, at 540-853-5652 or susan.jennings@roanokeva.gov.
For information about the artist, visit www.madelinewiener.com.