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. Photos by @gvltoday.
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.