A colorful paver artwork installation at Seventh and Washington streets that was a Exhibit Columbus installation has been donated to the city.
Columbus Board of Works members on Tuesday accepted “Theoretical Foyer” from artist Cody Hoyt.
Exhibit Columbus was meant to be a temporary collection of 18 architectural exhibits highlighting the city’s architectural heritage last year, but “Theoretical Foyer” is one of several exhibits that will stay.
“Theoretical Foyer” is made up of new and brightly colored concrete bricks fabricated in Columbus which replaced 2,500 monochromatic sidewalk bricks that made up the streetscape at that location.
Hoyt was inspired by the colors in the seat cushions at the Miller House and garden, designed by world-renowned interior and textile designer Alexander Girard.
Initially, the design was planned to stay in place until at least late spring of this year.
“We want to see how (“Theoretical Foyer”) does during the winter, and what happens with it under snow and ice and salt before we talk about anything long-term,” said Richard McCoy, one of the founders of the three-month exhibition and also director of the umbrella nonprofit agency Landmark Columbus that has overseen Exhibit Columbus.
However, the pavers were recently inspected by the engineering department staff and found to have held up well and are in safe condition, said Dave Hayward, executive director of public works/city engineer.
During Exhibit Columbus, Hoyt told visitors that he created the colorful motif of pavers to invite people to imagine new ways to use the corner as a platform for events and happenings in the city.
One other Exhibit Columbus installation remains prominently in place in downtown Columbus.
Wiikiaami by studio:indigenous remains as a walkway leading to First Christian Church, inspired by the dwellings of the Myaamia people indigenous to Indiana. Constructed of rebar and weathered metal panels, the swooping conical form is aligned to the church’s iconic camanile and to mark the autumnal equinox, Exhibit Columbus organizers said.
