Flying Whimsical Thingies

[Public Art] Allow me, just for a minute, to get all positive and upbeat about downtown.

Yesterday, we took in a matinee of Pygmalion's comedy, Sordid Lives, at the Rose Wagner. While walking to the theater, we noticed the latest installment of "Flying Objects," the Salt Lake City Arts Council's public art project. There were four newly placed metal sculptures in the 300 South median, directly across from the Rose Wagner on the north; Squatter's Brew Pub on the south. (At right, "Untitled" by Fred Conlon, on 300 South between West Temple and 200 West.

"The 12-part public art project named “Flying Objects” in downtown Salt Lake City had a final “makeover” on Sunday morning," said Arts Council spokeswoman Nancy Boskoff in a press release. "The 12 sculptures, all created by Utah artists, are separated into three groups, each located near a cultural facility. With the rearrangement of the sculptures this weekend, the “Flying Objects” have arrived at their final destination and will remain in place for about a year, at which time a similar project with new sculptures will be unveiled."

The sculptures are whimsical. They caught our eye and best of all--made us feel a little more hopeful that downtown isn't headed for the extinction list like some sort of urban decaying dodo bird.

Maybe there's hope for life beyond The Gateway yet...(Holly Mullen)