HICKORY, NC (October 4, 2019) — The City of Hickory Public Art Commission (PAC) will host a dedication ceremony for the newly-installed sculpture, “Joy Ride” by artist Corky Corrado, on Wednesday, October 9, at 5:30 p.m. The nearly 9-foot-tall metal sculpture stands in the center of the circular drive at Hickory City Park and depicts a catlike figure riding a vintage bicycle.
Several members of the Public Art Commission first experienced the sculpture, described as a “children’s book come to life,” while on display at the 2018 Caldwell Arts Council Sculpture Celebration and later presented it to the commission for consideration in September 2018. The sculpture was selected for its whimsical nature and connection to Hickory’s growing bicycle community.
“The PAC is proud to add this uniquely playful piece to the City’s Public Art Collection,” said PAC Chair Laura Costello. “The sculpture’s installation at the renovated Hickory City Park near the new mountain biking trails is the perfect home for ‘Joy Ride.’”
New York-based metal sculptor Corky Corrado created the work of art. Corrado is a self-taught metalsmith, specializing in flowers and animal forms. He applied his trade skills in commercial construction to his passion for art and interest in nature to perfect his craft for creating metal gardens. Corrado’s sculptures have been featured in Plattsburgh, New York’s prestigious Museum Garden Tour and at the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts. The City of Plattsburgh commissioned him to create a lakeside sculpture garden. Several of his pieces have also been submitted to the American Craft Council.
The art dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. Immediately following the dedication, the Public Art Commission will hold its regular meeting in the multi-purpose building at the park.
Hickory City Park is located at 1581 12th Street Drive NW, and was recently renovated to include eight lighted tennis courts, a multi-purpose facility with an indoor meeting room, an outdoor covered shelter, and restrooms, as well as access to a paved bikeway and the Lake Hickory Trails, a popular system of mountain biking and nature trails.
As an advisory group to the Hickory City Council, the Public Art Commission provides a forum for integrating public art into the public space, helps create a visual sense of the community, and provides leadership in implementing a public art program for Hickory.
The City of Hickory’s Public Art Collection is comprised of nearly 100 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, murals, and benches. For more information about the Public Art Commission, visit www.hickorync.gov/content/public-art-commission.