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25 new sculptures unveiled June 5, representing a record number of artists

Sculpture events and major sponsor announced; 25 sculptures from a record 17 artists in six states to be unveiled June 5.

2015 is the fourth year for the 12-month tour and includes artists chosen from a pool of entries received by the Decatur Sculpture Tour (DST) Committee. The sculpture locations in Decatur’s downtown outdoor gallery are on historic 2nd Street, 3rd Street and Monroe Street. Visitors can enjoy other permanent exhibits in the area from 1st to 6th streets including St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Adams Courthouse and the Decatur branch of the Adams Public Library System.

Allied Recreation Group has stepped up as a significant sponsor of the 2015 Decatur Sculpture Tour. “Allied Recreation Group is proud to be a sponsor and incorporate the Decatur Sculpture Tour exhibition and events into our rally schedule,” said Steven Hileman, director of product marketing. “There are more Fleetwood motorhomes on the road today than any other brand, and as we prepare to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Fleetwood brand, we are looking forward to expanding some our traditional activities and events to showcase one of the unique features of our Decatur manufacturing home, the Decatur Sculpture Tour.” Approximately 700-800 of Fleetwood’s customers are expected to attend their customer “Rally” that takes place in Decatur June 4-8, 2015.

The installation and unveiling for the 2015 sculptures will be Friday, June 5 during a downtown celebration. The unveiling ceremony includes a guided tour and comments by each artist. As a year-round exhibit, visitors can self-guide the tour with maps provided in specially-marked Decatur Sculpture Tour street stands.

Friday, June 5 Unveiling celebration events include:
9-5 p.m. Children’s sculpture activities – Adams Public Library on 3rd Street
4-8 p.m. Food vendors and music
5-8 p.m. Wine Tasting Tent (I.D. and admission fee required)
6 p.m. Unveiling by artists of 23 original sculptures
8-10 p.m. Music on stage featuring the band, My Lost Tribe

Saturday, June 6
2-3:30 Artists’ Inspiration Forum where artists discuss their creative process – Bellmont High School

9:27 p.m. The Old 27 Film Festival outdoor family-friendly film event

“We continue to grow the tour in new ways which has led to more interest by visitors and sponsors. In particular, Allied Recreation Group’s sponsorship and rally guests this year will bring over 1,000 out-of-town guests to celebrate the unveiling with us” said Mayor John Schultz. “We couldn’t be more pleased.” The 2015 sculptures will be on display through April, 2016.

Tour visitors are asked to vote for their favorite sculpture by Sept. 30 to determine the People’s Choice award, which will be announced in early October. Sculptures are original works for sale but must remain on display through April of 2016. The Decatur Sculpture Tour Committee retains a portion of sale proceeds to help underwrite future sculpture tour efforts and to eventually begin purchasing permanent art for the community.

Back this year is the Decatur Sculpture Tour’s companion event, The Old 27 Film Festival. Film artists are encouraged to visit www.theold27icecreamshop.com for entry details. A free public showing of the submissions will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 9:27 p.m. at The Old 27 Ice Cream Shop at 168 S. 2nd Street in downtown Decatur. The films are required to include area sculptures as a part of their creative process. Visit www.theold27icecreamshop.com or “Like” us on Facebook for film festival registration information.

Decatur is located 20 minutes south of Fort Wayne and two hours north of Indianapolis at the crossroads of U.S. 27 and U.S. 224, just minutes from the Indiana—Ohio line.

Decatur is the birthplace and boyhood home of David Smith, widely heralded as the greatest American sculptor of the 20th century. Decatur is also the hometown of preeminent American sculptor Ralph Hurst. Two of his works are on permanent display at the Adams Public Library in Decatur.

Visitors can enjoy sculptures and stroll through the historic downtown in the shadow of the signature Victorian courthouse built in 1873 and still in use by the county government. Along the tour route, visitors can enjoy the first monument in the United States dedicated to peace that celebrated its 100 anniversary in 2013 and a new Mother Mary sculpture installed in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of St. Mary of the Assumption Church.

Photos of 2014 sculptures and other information can be found at decatursculpturetour.com. Other community information can be found at decaturin.org and decaturchamber.org/events. To become a sponsor, contact Wes Kuntzman of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce at (260) 724-2604.