Community Corner

Artistry in Motion! Duluth's Gateway Art Sculpture to be Unveiled on April 9

"Ascension" unveiling set in the roundabout on McClure Bridge Road.

Submitted by Alisa Williams, Duluth Public Information & Marketing Director

Duluth, Georgia (March 26, 2014) – “Ascension” will take its place in the middle of the roundabout on McClure Bridge Road in April. The artist, Michael Dillon says, “Ascension is such a multifaceted word that encompasses all that we want to express with this piece. It speaks to the physical movement forward, towards something, as well as implying a movement within oneself to reach greater heights. Ascension holds within it, both the spirit and the movement of this special sculpture.” 

The artwork displays Duluth's rich history as a strong & humble farming community and continues its legacy by reaping and harvesting the fruits of our labors through the strength and perseverance embodied in our community today. Reflecting the Spirit of Duluth, Dillon's design lifts the labors of our past, sowing seeds of opportunity for today & carrying Duluth to greater heights for tomorrow. Michael says, “In developing a public artwork for the citizens of Duluth, and to honor its generous donor AGCO, my goal was to center the theme to a design that speaks to Duluth’s history as a farming community.  However, the artwork is also a symbol that “ascends” and reflects this community’s strong values of todayand inspiring vision for tomorrow.  AGCO is a mirror of this spirit.  As a vital member of Duluth’s downtown community, they industriously transformed world agriculture through improving and enhancing today’s - and tomorrow’s - version of ‘The Plow’.­­­”

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This initial site-specific project is one of many public art pieces the City hopes to commission to enhance the beauty and culture of Duluth and the surrounding areas. The City has formed the Duluth Public Art Commission (DPAC) to further Duluth’s mission of cultivating the arts.

The unveiling ceremony is Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 11:00 am at the McClure Bridge Road roundabout and Joan Glancy lawn. Limited parking is available at Joan Glancy; additional parking is available in Downtown Duluth with a short (approx. ¼ mile) walk to the roundabout. Please join us for this exciting moment!  A reception will follow on the Joan Glancy lawn.

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About the Artist:

Creating sculpture for public spaces is Michael Dillon’s passion. As an artist/blacksmith living and working in North Georgia, he has more than 20 years’ experience creating both functional and sculptural works of art. Michael builds hand forged stair railings, gates, sculpture and furniture for distinguished homes in Atlanta, and abroad. During the past 5 years, Michael has expanded his career into the public art arena, creating several large­‐scale sculptures.  Michael finds joy in the balance of creating both architectural ironwork and distinctive sculptures. His peers have long recognized his work, and this past year he received the acclaimed Phillip Trammel Shutze award for craftsmanship in classical architecture. Michael’s public work is modern, and narrative. He researches each community and tells a story incorporating their past, present and hopes for the future.

About AGCO Corporation:

The generous donation for this initial project is from AGCO Corporation (www.agcocorp.com), a leading global manufacturer of agricultural equipment and Fortune 300 Company, whose corporate headquarters is located in Duluth. AGCO distributes their products in more than 140 countries worldwide and is a publicly traded company with additional locations in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia Pacific. “It is important to AGCO to be good citizens in the communities where we and our customers operate. We are proud to support the city that has been our home for almost 20 years,” said Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and CEO of AGCO.


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