Art sculptures return to First Avenue

Newton’s First Avenue is now home to six new art sculptures.

Installed by First Avenue of Sculpture and Art, the program was designed to beautify First Avenue. Funding to mount the sculptures was supplied by the city council, with the last sculpture being put in on Tuesday.

The sculptures will be on First Avenue until November unless purchased. As chair of the committee for First Avenue of Sculpture and Art, Bruce Showalter is excited to bring something new to the city of Newton in the program’s second year.

“We are doing this to entertain, educate and excite the citizens and visitors of Newton,” Showalter said.

Local artist Nick Klepinger had his sculpture “Doe and Fawn” installed last Friday at the intersection of E. Second St. N. and First Ave. E. Listed at $15,000, Klepinger is the only local artist to be included among the group.

A selection committee, consisting of seven members, chose which sculptures to be installed. Along with Klepinger’s, other sculptures included were “First Love” by Gail Chavenelle ($2,750), “Gateway” ($2,900) and “Metamorphosis” ($14,000) by Hilde DeBruyne, “Peaceful Journey” by Ron Dinsdale ($15,000) and “Healing Touch” by Teresa Hansen ($39,600).

President of Iowa Sculpture Festival Linda Klepinger also hinted at another sculpture being installed — one that has not been announced publicly.

“The 2015 First Avenue of Art and Sculpture program is revealing even more diversity of shape and form to enjoy until November,” Linda Klepinger said. “All sculptures have been sited except one, which will surely cause much conversation.”

If you have any questions or would like to purchase a sculpture, call 641-521-3554.

Contact Scott Thenhaus at
641-792-3121 or
newsroom@newtondailynews.com