Fayetteville to Consider Aerial Rock Climbing Art Installation
FAYETTEVILLE — An exciting mid-air rock climbing sculpture could be a new fixture in historic Fayetteville, if approved by the Historical Review Board.
LaFayette Flats co-owner Amy McLaughlin pitched the concept to Fayetteville Town Council Friday.
The proposed sculpture, created by well-known Alderson-based artist Mark Blumenstein, would represent two rock climbers and would be attached to the Wiseman Avenue side of LaFayette Flats.
Blumenstein is a Tamarack juried artist best known for using found objects and creating whimsical and kinetic pieces. His work is showcased at the Southern West Virginia Youth Museum and The Greenbrier.
“When the Fayetteville Arts Coalition approached us about this project, it caught us off guard,” explained McLaughlin. “We know the area is renown for rafting but had no idea that Fayetteville is known around the world for its rock climbing.”
Two metal rock climbing figures, complete with ropes and gear, will appear to be ascending the Wiseman Avenue side of LaFayette Flats, a vacation rental in a a 111-year old renovated bank buildings at the corder of Wiseman Avenue and Court Street.
The project is fully funded through the Fayetteville Arts Coalition and falls in line with the town’s comprehensive plan, which recommends bringing more art installations into town.
“When we were considering purchasing the bank building to renovate, we met the arts coalition early on and learned about what they were doing. It was a big draw for us to know this town has a strong arts coalition,” she explained.
The three-dimensional sculpture will be comprised of different kinds of metal and will be hung without any permanent change to the historic building. It can be removed without causing any damage, she explained.
Because LaFayette Flats is a key structure in Fayetteville’s Historic District, the decision must be referred to the Historical Review Board, which merged with the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission several years ago.
The board will consider the art installation later this month.
— Email: splummer@register-herald.com; follow on Twitter @Sarah_E_Plummer