A key component of the city’s public art is reemerging at a new home Thursday morning.
Flamenco, the abstract, bright red steel sculpture created by artist Ruth Aizuss Migdal in 2010 in Chicago, will be moved to a spot at Eighth and Brown streets in downtown Columbus after a brief 11 a.m. Thursday rededication ceremony beginning in multipurpose room in Cummins LiveWell Center at 806 Jackson St.
The location on Eighth between Lindsey and Brown streets is part of the Mill Race Park Gateway Project, according to organizers.
Flamenco came to the city when it was selected for the 2012 Columbus Sculpture Biennial.
A fundraising campaign by community members raised money to make it a part of the Columbus permanent art collection in 2016.
Earlier this year, it was taken from its location at Fourth and Washington streets to Indianapolis for refurbishing that included welding and paint by Brose Partington Studio. Partington has been a key behind-the-scenes specialist in recent years helping with implementation of Exhibit Columbus installations and more.
The maintenance is being paid for through the Arts Council’s Public Art Longevity Fund – a fund begun in 2022 by individual donors who contributed to that year’s Uncommon Cause Fund a Need. The Public Art Longevity Fund is dedicated to providing dollars for the preservation and maintenance of our community’s public art assets.
Brooke Hawkins, executive director of the Columbus Area Arts Council and co-chairperson of the Mayor’s Public Art Committee, said that arts leaders worked with the City of Columbus to explore ideal timing and potential locations downtown for the piece upon completion of the repair work.
Since the intersection of Fourth and Washington streets is currently occupied by the Exhibit Columbus installation-turned-permanent artwork known as InterOculus, “the timing was suitable for the repair work and relocation,” according to an arts council news release.
“Flamenco’s location at Fourth and Washington was intended to be temporary,” Hawkins said. “This beloved work deserves to be cared for properly, including finding a place where it can be viewed without obstruction.”
A joint statement from Hawkins and Laura Garrett, director of partnerships for the Landmark Columbus Foundation, highlights working toward the common good.
“This project is a true example of how we can leverage community partnerships and excitement to create permanent improvements in our community,” reads the statement. “Flamenco is the highlight of the project as the bright color and playful form draws your eye towards Mill Race Park and enhances your journey, much like Eos welcomes you along Fifth Street.”
