Sculpture in the City

In 2007, ART on the SQUARE launched the Sculpture in the City program with the idea of adding permanent pieces of art to the city’s landscape. In the 10 years since, over 50 pieces have appeared in and around Belleville. These pieces have been purchased by individuals, groups, families, corporations and the ART on the SQUARE Committee. All sculptures have been donated to the city for Belleville’s Sculpture Collection.

In 2011, with sponsorship from the law firm, Mathis, Marifian, and Richter LTD., ART on the SQUARE began its High School Sculpture Program. This project brings working sculptors into the classroom to involve the students in hands-on sculpture creation. To date, this has added 8 pieces to the city’s collection.

Here are some of the most resent sculpture pieces that have joined the ranks in Belleville.

”Building Blocks of Life” by Guilloume

”Building Blocks of Life” by Guilloume

This is a table top sculpture on display in Belleville’s City Hall. The artist admits that this work is an abstract departure from his style, but he likes the way the blocks “represent an individuals personal experiences. . .failures, success, mistakes, achievements, joys and heartaches.” Guilloume believes these experiences shape our personalities. Guilloume was born in Columbia and received his early art training there before moving to the United States. He currently lives and works in Sandia Park, New Mexico.

“Pause for Reflection” by Laurel Peterson Gregory

“Pause for Reflection” by Laurel Peterson Gregory

This charming sculpture of a fox poised ready to retrieve his next meal now straddles a stream in Belleville’s Bi-Centennial Park. It was created by Colorado sculptor, Laurel Peterson Gregory. Gregory says of her work,
“I went on a total fox jag a while back. I just love their forms and inquisitive natures. With these sculptures, I’ve mostly explored foxes looking and behaving naturally, as well as engaging in a bit of my usual anthropomorphizing.”

“Fair Winds” by Andrew Carson

“Fair Winds” by Andrew Carson

Seattle based sculptor, Andrew Carson, is an artist who combines mechanics and aesthetics in his work. He says of his sculptures, “I create my sculpture to interact with people and solve riddles of landscape both interior and exterior. Using a varied palette—electronics, illustration, the camera and mechanical systems, I work very hard for elegant solutions for demanding problems of space.”
His work appeals to a wide audience. “Fair Winds” was admired by the Belleville Police who were patrolling ART on the SQUARE and it was purchased by the fair’s committee to be installed at
Belleville’s Main Police Station.

“Magistrate” by David Bryce

“Magistrate” by David Bryce

David Bryce is a Massachusetts sculptor whose work shows a distinct Asian influence. Reflecting on this, Bryce says, “My pieces unite Baroque movement, abstract expressionist gesture and Asian decorative spirit with a commitment to my own gentle whimsical voice.” His “Magistrate” now welcomes visitors to Belleville’s City Hall and the Asian aesthetic seems the perfect match for this Mid-century modern building.