Need something free to entertain the kids? Here’s a way to spend a summer day that’s part scavenger hunt, part exercise, and part education (gotta sneak it in when you can).
There are 69 pieces of art on Greenville’s Public Art Walking Tour. Consider this a mini-guide to a few public artworks you might have overlooked or wondered about, all within a short walk or drive around downtown. See if you can find the 5 below + send us your photo proof. 📷
Annika’s Rush by Zan Wells
What you’ll see: A sculpture of an open Samsonite suitcase, filled with the tourist essentials: clothes, scarf, camera + candy 🍬
What you didn’t know: This sculpture was designed to hold GVL guidebooks when the visitors bureau is closed. Bronze artist Zan Wells also sculpted the downtown Mice on Main + Charles Townes statue.
Octo 2 by Anthony Howe
What you’ll see: An 18-foot high stainless steel sculpture that moves with the wind
What you didn’t know: The artist also designed the cauldrons for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics + his art was the backdrop to Lin-Manuel Miranda and Auli’i Cravalho’s performance of “How Far I’ll Go” at the 2017 Academy Awards.
Paradigm Pathway by Stephen Kishel
What you’ll see: Towering pink + orange sculptures (that kind of remind us of huge flowers)
What you didn’t know: Paradigm Pathway is dedicated to lifelong GVL resident Buck A. Mickel, who spent his life creating a nationally-renowned art collection.
Sterling High School Students by Mariah Kirby-Smith
What you’ll see: A bronze sculpture of two students descending the Sterling High School steps
What you didn’t know: It commemorates Sterling, Greenville’s first black public high school, being destroyed in a fire in 1967 + is located outside the former Woolworth building, where Sterling students held protests and sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement.
Nexus of Light by Dennis Heimbach
What you’ll see: A stainless steel twisted sculpture that catches aaalll the light
What you didn’t know: The sculpture was donated to the city by the 2005 Artisphere Board of Directors + is made of welded metal that’s actually covered in layers of primer, paint + top coat.
