Rock Falls’ riverfront park to get 8 new sculptures

ROCK FALLS — RB&W Park is all the more distinctive for the sculptures that dot its walkways in a year-round display.

Now, the park along the Rock River is adding eight new sculptures and celebrating their installation. At least five of the artists are expected to attend the ceremony and festival from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.

People can also attend the actual placement of sculptures on their pads on Friday, Sept. 3, provided they stand clear of the large implements that will be needed to set the pieces in place.

“Art is thought provoking,” says Melinda Jones, director of Tourism and Events for Rock Falls in a recent news release. “Art is a way in which we can express that fundamentally deeper part of what it means to be human, and relate to one another in not just a superficial sense.”

During the event, people are invited to view the outdoor gallery and interact with the sculptors. Rock River Jazz Inc, will be providing music. Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza is providing vending services.

Here is a list of the sculptors and their works:

Gregory Mendez of Decatur, Indiana, is adding “Daphne.” His other sculpture, “Nemesis” is on permanent display.

V. Skip Willits of Camanche, Iowa is adding “Palimpsest.”

Kirk Seese of Lutherville, Maryland created “Icosahedron.”

Michael Young from Chicago crafted “Preparing to Fly.”

James Haire of Fort Collins, Colorado, sculpted “Enchantment of Reading.”

David Zahn of Moline contributes “Time Passes.”

John Adduci of Chicago provided “X Marks the Spot?”

Alex Mendez of Decatur, Indiana, made “Just a Little Piece.”

Charles Yost of Chicago created “Apparition Schmoosh,” which is on permanent display.