“Wild Wings,” a steel, wood, and aluminum creation on Barstow Street by Canadian artist Heather Wall.

 The coronavirus pandemic and the remnants of an early June tropical storm were among the unusual logistical challenges faced by Sculpture Tour Eau Claire in its effort to install new sculptures to the city’s streets and public spaces this year. Nonetheless, as of June 17, 11 brand-new sculptures have been added to the citywide open-air gallery, which is now in its 10th year. That’s fewer new sculptures than usual – last year there were 42 new works – but there’s a very good reason for that: The exchange of sculptures that would have occurred earlier this year in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was canceled because of the pandemic, says Executive Director Julie Pangallo. In addition, the sculptures’ installation, originally slated for June 10, had to be delayed for a week when the remnants of Tropical Storm Cristobal drenched Wisconsin that day. Fortunately, the new sculptures have been successfully installed and eight existing sculptures have been moved to new spots to mix things up further. Add together the new sculptures, a number of holdovers from last year, and the 18 sculptures that have been purchased and put on permanent display in town over the past decade, and this year’s Sculpture Tour Eau Claire includes 54 large-scale works of art that are free to enjoy. Just wait for a sunny day, go on a stroll, and discover a new favorite! 

Learn more about the Sculpture Tour Eau Claire’s pieces and their creatives on the tour’s Facebook page.