An interactive public art display involving between 25 and 50 professionally made sculptures from around the world may be coming to downtown Eau Claire. The concept mirrors that of Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s SculptureWalk, a hugely successful program that started seven years ago and has since spread to small cities in Kansas, Minnesota, and Canada. The quick-and-dirty of it involves local businesses sponsoring the sculptures, which are large pieces made of bronze/steel/marble/stone and are arranged along the downtown corridor for 11 months, during which time thousands of people are drawn downtown to walk the trail (to which there would be a map). There is an ongoing voting period that dictates what sculpture will stay on display in the city, and anyone can potentially purchase the others. The result is not only quality of life, but economic development from tourism and spending at shops along the walk. Eau Claire resident Sherry Mohr is hoping to launch this campaign locally as a collaboration with the Sioux Falls organizers and locals here, from city officials to artisans. As a former Sioux Falls native, Sherry described the layout and recent history of their downtown to illustrate its striking resemblance to Eau Claire’s, and how SculptureWalk has helped usher in a new era for their downtown. The tentative starting date is May 2011, but a lot of work needs to be done and help put forward.

ACTION ITEM:Contact Sherry at seltv@aol.com or 271-9370

• RUMBLINGS takes the pulse of public ideas by sharing concepts that local officials, businesses, or citizens are currently discussing. These ideas could grow and change our community, or just add to public conversation. If you have in interest in something featured, drop them a line. And if you’ve heard some rumblings, let us know at: mail@volumeone.org or call (715) 552-0457.
  
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