Staff Reports
Large Arch is celebrating a large milestone.
It is marking 50 years as something of a silent sentinel on the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza in downtown Columbus. And it is doing so with an exhibition “Anchor, Move, Connect: Henry Moore’s Large Arch,” at 411 Gallery on Sixth Street through Sept. 26.
This exhibition was curated by Tricia Gilson of the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, with graphic design by Brooke Hawkins Design.
“Anchor, Move, Connect” also is part of the Columbus Area Bicentennial. Visitors to the exhibition can read and see photos of the creation and journey of Large Arch, from a concept at Henry Moore’s studio in England, to production in Germany and its journey across the Atlantic before arriving in Columbus.
Gilson has also included archival footage of Large Arch’s disembarkment in Louisville, Kentucky, and transportation to and uncrating in Columbus, as well as an interactive station with audio recordings and photos from the sculpture’s May 1971 dedication ceremony on the plaza, attended by the library’s architect, I.M. Pei.
In an essay at the Columbus Area Arts Council website at artsincolumbus.org/in-context, library director Jason Hatton wrote in part:
“It is easily the most recognizable piece of public art and as such serves as one of the signature images of the city,” Hatton said. “When a graphic representing the city is created, it most likely will have this iconic image on it.
“It helps anchor, move, and connect not only the plaza, but more importantly all of those who see it. The residents, the visitors, and the organizations all are better for having Large Arch watching over the library plaza.”
Gilson was a fan of Large Arch before she ever moved here.
“The monumental bronze sculpture serves as a visual anchor, inviting us to move our bodies and eyes through the plaza,” Gilson said. “Large Arch connects us as a community to our immediate surroundings and to places far away.”
The exhibit features photographs, drawings, documents, and recordings from the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives.
411 Gallery hosts open gallery hours from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays with 10 attendees welcomed into the gallery at a time; masks are required. Visitors may also schedule a time to see the exhibition by contacting CAAC Program Coordinator Susana Villegas, at svillegas@artsincolumbus.org.
