The sculpture by Val Lyle consists of An engraved granite base will support the cast bronze life-size figures of a male and a female musician playing guitar and fiddle respectively. Between the figures will be a microphone complete with footprints in the granite affording photo opportunities galore.
BRISTOL, TN - Art in Public Places announced Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Believe in Bristol office that the Marcia and Marvin Gilliam Jr. Foundation is sponsoring a bronze sculpture featuring two musicians playing their instruments standing behind a microphone.
Named "Take the Stage," the sculpture will be permanently placed in Cumberland Park across from the Birthplace of County Music Museum.An $85,000 contribution on the part of the Marcia and Marvin Gilliam Jr. Foundation will fund the sculpture.
"Marcia and I are long-time supporters of Bristol's Art in Public Places and are delighted to have the opportunity to help them showcase Bristol's status as the Birthplace of Country Music," said Marvin Gilliam. "This permanent sculpture reminds us of scenes from the old country music shows on television that were so common when we were growing up in southwestern Virginia. We believe that the images of the musicians are a timeless one of a scene that could have been from 60 years ago, 30 years ago or even today. We hope that this piece will become a favorite of the people from this area and for tourists alike as they step up to the microphone, have their picture taken and share in the history of country music."
Candy Snodgrass, president of AiPP said, "As an organization Art in Public Places is thrilled to announce the second permanent piece of sculpture for Bristol. To have the Marcia and Marvin Gilliam Foundation see AiPP's vision of permanent art and agree to sponsor such a wonderful piece makes all our hard work worthwhile. The idea for the sculpture came from our board member Mary Jane Miller, a local interior designer. She worked with well known Bristol sculptor, Val Lyle, to bring her idea to life. Val is an extremely talented artist, and we are so lucky she has chosen to work with Art in Public Places in the design and creation of this piece of sculpture."
"We are most appreciative of this additional gift of permanent art to the City of Bristol, Va. Art plays a central role in the life of every vibrant city, serving as a catalyst for expression and conversation. The permanent works of art that can be found in Bristol's public spaces provide a unique and creative trail that draws people to, and through, our city." said Tabitha Crowder, interim city manager for the city of Bristol, Va.
An engraved granite base will support the cast bronze life-size figures of a male and a female musician playing guitar and fiddle respectively. Between the figures will be a microphone complete with footprints in the granite affording photo opportunities galore.
The second piece of permanent sculpture will be dedicated Friday, Aug. 1, 2014.
