I went into North Charleston, SC, to turn our July 2010 issue of Carolina Arts into the printer, so I decided to go over to the North Charleston Riverfront Park at The Navy Yard at Noisette (former Charleston Naval Base), even though the temps were in the mid-90’s. It was a little overcast so I figured it would be a good day to photograph the 11 sculptures that were part of the 5th National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition, on view through Mar. 2011. The exhibit and competition is organized and presented by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department. The competition was juried by Stuart Horodner, Artistic Director of the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. The exhibit features eleven sculptures by eleven artists from seven states.
Two Headed Ass (steel) by George Long
Mass Murder Machine (steel, iron, and aluminum) by Doug Barton
Prism Arc SC (painted steel) by Carl Billingsly
When I arrived at the parking area it was almost full, which was a surprise considering the heat, but it was lunchtime so maybe folks were enjoying their lunch in the park, but as it turned out all the cars were there for either the aftermath or preparations for filming of the Lifetime drama, Army Wives. They do filming all over the former naval base and shipyard.
Cube (corten steel) by Dana Gingras
Fools Buoy (steel and concrete) by Roger Halligan
It’s been a year since I was in this park and a lot has changed. The landscaping is further developed giving the park a not so new feeling – which is a good thing. There are some new additions – a covered picnic area and a children’s playground next to it. There were also some new additions to the memorial to the Charleston Naval Yard – which I think is finally finished. It also looks like a new restaurant is in the works, which will be good – especially if you can get drinks there.
La Fleur da Vie (steel) by Teresa Howachyn
Boat Nest, Elevation of Divergence (steel) by Corrina Mensoff
End of Time (recycled metal) by Jim Shultz
There was a nice breeze at the park and it wasn’t until I finished and returned to my car that I felt hot – really hot without the breeze.
I hope you enjoy the photos. It seems that this year’s primary color is – rusted brown.
Between Hope and Despair (steel and stone) by Philip Smith
Ball Joint (cast iron and bronze) by Kristy Summers
Inside the Vee (steel and recycled materials) by Bob Turan
The results of the competition are as follows: Division I – Best in Show went to Two Headed Ass (steel) by George Long of Roswell, GA; and 2nd Place went to Mass Murder Machine (steel, iron, and aluminum) by Doug Barton of Athens, GA. Honorable Mention awards were given to: Prism Arc SC (painted steel) by Carl Billingsly of Ayden, NC; Fools Buoy (steel and concrete) by Roger Halligan of Chattanooga, TN; and Ball Joint (cast iron and bronze) by Kristy Summers of Carbondale, IL. Other works in this division include: Cube (corten steel) by Dana Gingras of Moorseville, NC;Boat Nest, Elevation of Divergence (steel) by Corrina Mensoff of Atlanta, GA; Between Hope and Despair (steel and stone) by Philip Smith of Columbia, MD; La Fleur da Vie (steel) by Teresa Howachyn (TEKLA) of Black Mountain, NC; and Inside the Vee (steel and recycled materials) by Bob Turan of Earlton, NY. Division II – End of Time (recycled metal) by Jim Shultz of North Charleston, SC.
I’ve also included some wide views of the park and a few images of the shipyard memorial, which includes a lot of art also.
You can see last year’s entry about this exhibit at this link.
For further information contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at 843/740-5854 or visit (www.northcharleston.org).