Two local artists were chosen to display their work at the Richland Avenue roundabout because of an Athens City Council ordinance requiring artwork be part of major city projects.
Local artists Jeff Delaval and David Callahan are featured at the roundabout. Delaval, whose piece is located in the middle of the roundabout, said his is based off the Fibonacci series, shaped as a swirl in two spirals.
It's like a nautilus shell
a naturally occurring spiral like a snail shell Delaval said.
Callahan's work is located along the Hocking River at the Southwest end of the Richland Avenue Bridge. It is a terrace, made up of benches and tables so passers-by can enjoy the view of the river, Delaval said.
The artwork, totaling $40,000, was added to the $4.5 million Richland Avenue/State Rt. 682 Improvements Project. City Council passed an ordinance in 2007 requiring city projects costing more than $1 million to spend about 1 percent of the total cost of the project on public art, said Andy Stone, director of Engineering and Public Works.
Delaval and Callahan were chosen out of 13 applicants by the Athens Municipal Arts Commission to feature their artwork at the roundabout, said Andrea Lewis, executive director at the Dairy Barn Arts Center.
Callahan could not be reached for comment.
The city of Athens and City Council believe that investing in arts is crucial to the development of a strong community and economy
Lewis said.
The Federal Highway Trust Fund covered about 80 percent of the $40,000 spent on public art at the roundabout, Stone said.
Stones used in the sculptures came from various places in southeastern Ohio, such as the local millstone quarry, old railroad bridge abutments, Hocking Valley Canal and an old horse barn at The Ridges.
By using these historic stones in a historic space
we are able to bring the past forward and make it available to all
Delaval said.
Delaval previously worked for the city by designing artwork for Emeriti Park next to Baker University Center, Delaval said.
We're thankful to live in a community like Athens where people value art
Delaval said. We were grateful to have the opportunity that is useful
attractive and edifying.
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