Latest Sculpture on the Avenues Work Unveiled

(A CLOSE-UP LOOK AT "BEST FRIENDS")

Borrowing a quote from Pablo Picasso, Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker Monday led the unveiling of the latest work in the city's Sculpture on the Avenues series.

Dubbed "Best Friends", the bronze piece that is a part of the Randolph Rose collection sits along North 3rd Street on the City Hall property, a short distance south of the "Balancing Boy & Joy" work on the northwest corner of the property.

Sculpture on the Avenues is beginning its 17th year, and is a self-guided walking tour through the downtown area that begins at City Hall. Mayor Bloemker said it's an effort to support Effingham as an art-friendly community. 

The Randolph Rose collection has, since 1972, grown from a small family business to one of the largest design resources specializing in bronze sculptures. The mayor said City Director of Economic Development Todd Hull was at a conference in Las Vegas and made contact with the sculptor.

Brochures for use on the walking tour of Sculpture on the Avenues are available, along with information on the program and on setting up a group tour, by contacting the Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau at 217-342-5310.

(CITY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS STEVE MILLER AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR JIM ARNDT ASSISTED WITH THE FORMAL UNVEILING)