“Wedding Arch” by artist Eugene Sargent / Staff photo
Mount Sequoyah Center this week will celebrate the installation of three new pieces of public art on the center’s campus in Fayetteville.
A ribbon-cutting event and reception is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, where the three new works by local artists will be unveiled.
The new pieces include a large sculpture by longtime local artist Eugene Sargent titled “Wedding Arch” near the cross overlook, a mural by artist Jody Travis Thompson titled “Greetings” near the entry gate, and an installation by artist Ziba Rajabi titled “Dogwoods and Birds” in the patio area near Sequoyah Hall.
“Creating connection through the arts is a vital part of Mount Sequoyah’s mission,” said Emily Gentry, the center’s CEO and executive director, in a news release. “We envision these newly created pieces as points of welcome to the community that previously felt they might not be allowed within the outer gates of the mountain top when Mount Sequoyah Center was a Methodist organization.”
Mount Sequoyah Center transitioned from a church-affiliated organization in 2016 to became an independent education and arts non-profit. The center is now home to more than 50 local artists, and works regularly with local arts non-profits, including Fenix Arts, Ozark Ballet Theater, and Afrique Aya.
The new pieces were commissioned thanks to recent ArtConnect grant funding from Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange and the Mid-America Art Alliance.
During the ribbon-cutting event, ceremonies will be held in front of each new piece to commemorate the work, followed by a reception in the space between the dining hall and Sequoyah Hall gallery at 1:30 p.m.
The event is free to attend and open to the public.
