ArtQuest 2010: Sculptures once again scheduled for an island-wide outdoor exhibition

Photo by QUENTIN ROUX, Staff

Outdoor sculptures are set to appear all over the island once again come November with the staging of the third ArtQuest series under the auspices of the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts. This jaunty sculpture from the 2007/8 exhibition was titled Chickadee.

It’s a while away, but none to soon for the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts to grease the wheels.

It’s the ArtQuest 2010 island-wide exhibition of sculptures, set for a Nov. 11 unveiling at various locations around Marco.

MIFA publicist Kathy Caruso said the inaugural event, ArtQuest 2006, was conceived in response to a growing need for additional arts events and opportunities on Marco Island.

It was patterned after a number of communities around the country that have similar events.

And, Caruso said, it is held in conjunction with our business community, hence many of them play “host” to the pieces.

“Art is a powerful cultural and social force,” Caruso said. “In this event, as in the past, a number of high quality large sculptures will be placed around the island.

“Talking about art provides us with an opportunity to better understand our own responses to objects and images, as well as learning to appreciate other’s responses.

She said a positive spin-off is that shared art experiences help to strengthen a sense of community. The sculptures on display will be from a renowned group of national and international sculptors.

Some of them will travel to be on hand to attend events and/or to assist in the installation of their sculptures.

“ArtQuest 2010 is off to a rousing start as several sponsors have already come forward to partner with MIFA to sponsor the sculptures,” Caruso said.

“Of course, we always need more sponsors and are looking to our business community to participate in this event.”

For information on sponsorships call Jo-Ann Sanborn at 642-6367 or Carol Kinkead at 642-8280.

Assorted receptions are also in the cards, including an invitation only sculpture/sponsor reception, a panel discussion lunch, cocent tours, and a People’s Choice Award.