Exhibit by Dale Rogers
Upcoming Exhibit by Dale Rogers
New Art Walk Exhibit Coming to ASUMH and City of Mountain Home
Installation Begins August 8, 2024, by Artist Dale Rogers
The Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH)-City of Mountain Home Art Walk is set to unveil a unique display of approximately 15 new sculptures by the celebrated sculptor Dale Rogers in August.
The exhibit will showcase 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. These distinctive metalworks will grace the Art Walk for six months, inviting the community to immerse themselves in the exhibit and select their favorite pieces to be permanently featured along the James and Sally Moore Recreational Trail on the ASUMH campus and the Shirley Baker Nature Trail in McCabe Park. 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 first major exhibit to the ASUMH-City of Mountain Home Art Walk,” said ASUMH Chancellor Dr. Bentley Wallace. “Dale Rogers’
Wallace further highlighted that the community will have an opportunity to choose their favorite pieces of the exhibit that will become a permanent part of the Art Walk. Voting by the community will direct the ASUMH-City of Mountain Home Art Walk committee to choose the next four or five pieces to remain in its permanent collection.
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.
While the committee is finalizing the logistics of delivering the sculptures and the community’s public voting for the pieces that will remain after the full-scale exhibition, 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 that is scheduled will enhance the already vibrant and expanding art reputation of the region. It is exciting to bring a national sculpture exhibit hosted in Mountain Home and Baxter County to draw visitors from our region and beyond for six months while the exhibit is in place.”
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, Joe Miles and the ASUMH Director of Development.
The Art Walk committee has worked over the past year 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.
Visit his website to discover his story and view photos of his work.
