Large Arch is still a big attraction on sculptor Henry Moore’s birthday

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Thirty seven years after his death, sculptor Henry Moore remains hotter than ever.

In a manner of speaking.

So hot, in fact, that his annual birthday celebration slated to unfold Thursday around his heralded Large Arch creation on the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza had to be moved indoors.

All because of the 91-degree weather and an oppressive heat index in downtown Columbus, that is.

But an estimated 75 people, from 3-year-olds to retirees, turned out to honor the large arc that marked the English artist’s 88 years of life before he died in 1986 in Perry Green, United Kingdom. His local, 20-foot-high, 11,000-pound, bronze sculpture, commissioned by longtime community philanthropists and leaders Xenia and J. Irwin Miller, was dedicated at the plaza May 16, 1971, along with the I.M. Pei-designed library.

Since then, the so-called hip bone and legs or even apparent shoulders have carried countless conversations here about meaning and symbolism.

Yet, parent Kate Howell mentioned that her 3- and 5-year-old daughters in attendance cared little about all that.

“They just like to play under it,” Howell said.

The Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, the library, the Columbus Area Arts Council and Dancers Studio Inc. worked together to plan and organize Thursday’s free gathering — a celebration held since 2015, according to Tricia Gilson with the archives.

The event included a flowing dance followed by children’s whimsical, body-formed shapes inspired by the sculptor, clay creation activities for youngsters, live music, and, as any personal anniversary would require, a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” — complete with a sheet cake adorned atop with, well, a little arch, at least.

For the complete story and more photos, see Saturday’s Republic.