PNC Arts Alive

In conjunction with PNC Arts Alive program and in honor of our local Military Men and Women, Dale Roger’s traveling sculpture “Flight” is currently on exhibit at Southwestern Illinois College’s campus. The piece was installed in the quad near the Schmitt Art Center on May 4, 2015 and will remain there until May 20th. Both a grant received from PNC Bank’s “Arts Alive” program and the Art on the Square Committee are responsible for its Belleville presence.

According to sculptor Dale Rogers, a frequent exhibitor at Art on the Square, “Art is a catalyst for thought, conversation, and connection; public art goes even further by becoming a part of the community, something available for everyone.” His personal traveling art exhibit “Flight” consisting of nine stainless steel birds each with a 12 foot wings spans prompted all of these responses from those who visit the sculpture.

The structures are supported in frames that vary from 12 to 16 feet high. The birds reflect the sky, sun, water or grass; bringing them all to life. The flock is arranged in a serpentine pattern which enhanced the visual interest and is impressive both up close up and far away. “Flight” was first introduced by Rogers at ArtPrize 2012 in Grand Rapids, MI, where the exhibit won ArtPrize “Best Use of Urban Space” juried award.

A permanent piece by Rogers that will be a smaller version of “Flight” will be installed in Belleville at a site yet to be determined.