AMHERST — Four temporary sculptural installations are being placed in Kendrick Park, part of a larger exhibit of contemporary art that will extend from the north end of downtown Amherst onto the University of Massachusetts campus.
The project, known as “XTCA – Cross Town Contemporary Art” and being overseen by Sandy Litchfield, assistant professor of architecture, and Loretta Yarlow, director of the University Museum of Contemporary Art, involves a dozen artists.
The aim of the project is to build an artistic connection by using sites within what is known as the Gateway district.
“Common Sounding” is the name of a piece being constructed by Erika Zekos, which will have lighted chimes that will be attached to trees and will be activated by people interacting with them.
“Bocce Ball Court” will be built by Gary Orlinsky, with a court where people can play bocce.
Harold Grinspoon is creating “Family Reunion.” This will have large oak tree segments that rise from the ground.
Finally, an untitled work by Sarah Bramam will feature precast concrete and glass panels.
All four pieces have been approved by the Design Review Board.
Kendrick Park has long been the home of “Portal,” a large metal sculpture, and has featured temporary installations in the past, such as in 2012, when a rabbit sculpture, made from concrete resin and placed atop a large rock, became more temporary than expected when it was stolen within a week of its placement.
In addition to Kendrick, the art will go on the green space on North Pleasant Street where fraternity row was located, and the Haigis Mall in front of the Fine Arts Center, between Isenberg School of Management and Whitmore Administration buildings;
The exhibit officially opens July 1 and closes Nov. 1
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
