TRANSFORM YOUR WALK...
The Mountain Home Art Walk brings public art to life along the James and Sally Moore Recreational Trail, transforming an everyday walk, run, or bike ride into a moving gallery experience. A partnership between ASU-Mountain Home and the City of Mountain Home, the Art Walk features an approximately 15-piece exhibit of whimsical stainless steel and Cor-Ten steel sculptures by nationally acclaimed artist Dale Rogers, alongside permanent installations such as the abstract corten and stainless steel piece by metal artist Patrick Shannon, which marks the intersection of the Sheid-Hopper Bypass and College Street. Together, these works reflect a shared vision to enhance quality of life in Mountain Home, promote healthy living, and establish the trail as a true community destination — where art, nature, and wellness meet.
The Mountain Home Art Walk is a community partnership between ASU-Mountain Home, the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and the City of Mountain Home.
The Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH)-City of Mountain Home Art Walk features a unique display of approximately 15 sculptures by the celebrated sculptor Dale Rogers.
The exhibit showcases whimsical metal works of art and large-scale sculptures that ingeniously blend iconic and geometric shapes, all crafted from stainless steel and Cor-Ten steel. The Mountain Home Art Walk committee has chosen Rogers’ exhibit for his nationally acclaimed sculptures and his expertise in outdoor exhibit spaces.
“ASU-Mountain Home is thrilled to partner with the City of Mountain Home to bring this major exhibit to the ASUMH-City of Mountain Home Art Walk,” said ASUMH Chancellor Dr. Bentley Wallace. “Dale Rogers’
Rogers, who resides in Massachusetts, is known for creating thought-provoking work that is sophisticated, easily recognizable, and that serves as a mental postcard for viewers. “Stainless steel is a beautiful and versatile metal that can be finished in various ways,” says Rogers on his website. “These variations add dimension and depth to the sculptures and have a reputation for long life and low maintenance. Cor-Ten steel is commonly used by cities and the federal government to construct bridges and it develops a protective layer over time, offering an organic and simple element to the sculptures, while stainless steel adds a touch of pizzazz and vibrancy.”
Rogers began his full-time welding career in 2002, though his interest in TIG welding and working with metal started when he taught himself to repair metal equipment on his family’s farm. During his school years, he developed a passion for art but never considered it a viable career path to support a family. He has balanced his creative impulses with the economic realities of marketing, selling, and transporting large, heavy metal sculptures. “My body of work includes sculptures for homes and gardens, which are displayed in esteemed galleries throughout the U.S. and are part of exclusive private and corporate collections,” added Rogers.
The unique work of Dale Rogers can be found in many public spaces across the nation and provides enjoyment to visitors who view them wherever they are found. One of Rogers’ traveling exhibits, Big Dog Show, has traveled to 23 cities across the United States and raised more than $250,000 to support animal care. His sculptures can be found on over 20 public school, college, and university campuses. More than 100 public sculptures are installed across the United States and have been sponsored by local governments, private companies, and various non-profits.
Dr. Kathy Loyd, a member of the Art Walk committee, emphasized that the addition of a national sculpture artist's work to the already-popular trail system will draw art enthusiasts from all over. “The sculpture exhibit will enhance the already vibrant and expanding art reputation of the region. It is exciting to bring a national sculpture exhibit to Mountain Home and Baxter County to draw visitors from our region and beyond.”
Mayor Hillrey Adams, an ex-officio member of the Art Walk committee, added, “The Dale Rogers exhibit will be enjoyed by many and bring a new group of users to the trail system in Mountain Home. This is another great example of how the City of Mountain Home and ASUMH working together can bring something new and exciting to Mountain Home for so many to enjoy.” Other members of the committee include Dr. Bentley Wallace (ex-officio), Dr. Eddie Dry, Christy Dyer, Mindy Fulcher, Dane Hustead, Beth Ivens, Arnold Knox, Dr. Kathy Loyd, and Joe Miles.
The Art Walk committee has worked to create a policy for temporary and permanent pieces exhibited in the public space along the Art Walk trail system. The group developed guidelines for any public art that will be displayed and how that work will be chosen. According to the group’s webpage, the goal of the program is to enhance the quality of life in Mountain Home and to demonstrate the partnership’s willingness to invest in the community. It will serve to raise the public profile of the recreational trail and stimulate public interest, which will also promote healthy living, enhance a sense of place, create community pride, and establish the city as a destination.
More information on Dale Rogers can be found online at https://dalerogersstudio.
“ASUMH is very pleased to once again be partnering with the City of Mountain Home to expand access to art and leisure activities for residents and visitors to our area,” said Dr. Bentley Wallace, ASUMH Chancellor. “This first sculpture, along with long-term plans for expanding the Art Walk, will offer health, education, and economic development opportunities well into the future.”
The abstract art piece is made from corten metal with stainless steel accents. An anonymous donor made the collection of this piece possible for ASUMH and inspired the beginning of the Art Walk. The piece will stand at the intersection of the Sheid-Hopper Bypass and College Street on ASUMH’s campus.
The sculpture was crafted by metal artist and potter Patrick Shannon of Forest Edge Gallery, which is owned and operated by Shannon and painter and jewelry-maker Helena Johnson near Vergas, Minnesota. In addition to Shannon and Johnson’s work, the gallery features artwork including metalwork, paintings, pottery, fused and hand-blown glass, jewelry, sculpture and more from artists across the United States.
Pictured: ASUMH Chancellor Dr. Bentley Wallace and Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams at the installation of the first sculpture on the Mountain Home Art Walk.
- Dr. Eddie Dry
- Christy Dyer
- Mindy Fulcher
- Dane Hustead
- Beth Ivens
- Arnold Knox
- Dr. Kathy Loyd
- Joe Miles
- Shelli Wood
- Christy Keirn
- Kasey Bass
Ex-Officio Members:
- HIllrey Adams, City of Mountain Home Mayor
- Dr. Bentley Wallace, ASUMH Chancellor
The ASUMH/City of Mountain Home Art Walk Committee (ASUMH/City AWC) is a group of volunteers from the community who are dedicated to promoting public art and enhancing community engagement with the arts. Their mission primarily focuses on increasing awareness and appreciation of public art within the Mountain Home area.
Key tasks and responsibilities of the ASUMH/City AWC may include:
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Gathering public input: This involves conducting surveys, organizing focus groups, and engaging with civic groups, neighborhood associations, and other community stakeholders to gather feedback and ideas about public art projects and initiatives.
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Recommending projects, programs, and potential artists: Based on the input gathered from the community and their own expertise, the committee may recommend specific public art projects, programs, or potential artists to be considered for implementation.
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Evaluating submissions: When soliciting proposals or submissions for public art projects, the committee may be responsible for reviewing and evaluating the submissions to ensure they align with the goals and vision of the community and meet any established criteria.
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Working with ASUMH and City of Mountain Home staff: The committee collaborates with staff from both ASUMH and the City of Mountain Home to establish budgets for public art projects, coordinate logistics, and ensure that projects are implemented effectively. They may also work together to pursue private sources of funding to support public art initiatives.
Overall, the ASUMH/City AWC plays a crucial role in advocating for public art, fostering community involvement, and contributing to the cultural enrichment and vibrancy of the Mountain Home area.
Public Art Policy: The Art Walk will be an evolution of temporary and permanent pieces of art as chosen by the Art Walk Committee.
Definition of Public Art: Public art refers to any artwork that is created specifically to be displayed or experienced in public spaces, such as parks, plazas, streets, or buildings, rather than in traditional art venues like galleries or museums. Public art can take various forms, including sculptures, murals, installations, performances, or any other artistic expression intended for public consumption. It often aims to engage with the community, provoke thought, foster dialogue, or enhance the aesthetic and cultural experience of a particular place or environment. Public art can be commissioned by government agencies, private organizations, or individuals, and it plays a significant role in shaping the identity and character of public spaces within cities and communities.
Guidelines for Public Art: Artists shall abide by the guidelines and parameters outlined below for the Arkansas State University-Mountain Home/City of Mountain Home Art Walk projects funded by community donors, installed on James and Sally Moore Recreational Trail and the Shirley Baker Nature Trail. Additional guidelines may be added for specific projects or programs.
Artwork should reflect the character and tradition of the location. To inspire the design concept, artists shall engage with the community, observe / interact with users of the space and research historical usage of the location.
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Artwork shall be designed and constructed with materials and in a manner suitable for the physical environment (indoor or outdoor), including its maintenance and conservation requirements.
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Artwork should be the appropriate size and scale for the site and should take advantage of site orientation, lighting, landscape, and surrounding features.
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Artwork shall be designed with the relationship of the work to the site in mind, giving special consideration to how it serves to enhance the public space.
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Artwork should be of high quality design and workmanship. It should be durable, unique, avoid short-term trends and be timeless.
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Artwork shall be viewpoint neutral.
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Artwork from all styles, forms, and functions shall be considered and encouraged.
Selecting Public Art: The ASUMH/City AWC will review design submissions and public input and make recommendations to the ASUMH Chancellor and the Mayor of Mountain Home for those pieces of public art that are intended to be permanently or temporarily installed on public property.
Goals and Economic Impact: A goal of ASUMH/City Art Walk Program is to enhance the quality of life in Mountain Home and demonstrate the partnership’s willingness to invest in the community. A goal of the ASUMH/City Art Walk Program is to raise the public profile of the recreational trail to stimulate public interest, promote healthy living, enhance a sense of place, create community pride, and establish the city as a destination.
Potential Funding Mechanisms for Public Art Walk:
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Business investment/partnerships with local businesses may be pursued. This may include direct purchase of works of art, sponsorship of programs, naming rights, or donations to the Trail Art Fund located in the ASU System Foundation.
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Grants – some projects may qualify for State and/or Federal funding. The ASUMH/City AWC will work on writing grants and pursuing other public funding sources.
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Private Individuals and Groups – a strong public art program and commitment from the ASUMH/City partnership will inspire individuals and groups to contribute their time, talent and treasure. This will be a critical component to long-term success of the program.
On-going Operations/Maintenance:
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ASUMH and the City of Mountain Home would be responsible for maintaining all approved Public Art on campus and public property and should allocate the resources necessary to maintain, secure, and ensure the viability of quality public art unless otherwise agreed upon.
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Maintenance and Insurance Contracts between the Campus, City, and the Artist may be negotiated for the duration of the show or time of the piece’s display.
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The ASUMH/City AWC may establish a program aimed at encouraging private individuals and/or other entities to “adopt” the maintenance of a given piece of public art or botanical garden.