Sculpture Trail Started in Mount Vernon

Gail Chavenelle’s works being installed.

Following a year of planning, the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) and the City of Mount Vernon installed the first works of art along the city trail that runs through Nature Park in Mount Vernon and ends at the Elliott Ball Fields. Four metal sculptures were installed August 15 on the trail near First Street, three pieces by Dubuque, Iowa artist Gail Chavenelle titled Dance Diversity and one by Loveland, Colorado artist Joe Norman titled Girl & Hawk. 

Gail Chavenelle’s “Dance Diversity” being installed.

“We are thrilled about how quickly the City and MVAAC moved to get the Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail started,” said MVAAC president Marie DeVries. “The City Council and city staff have supported the project from the beginning; they’ve been amazing.” 

MVAAC has committed to supporting the Sculpture Trail for at least four years. An ad hoc sculpture trail has been formed with members of the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Commission and MVAAC . “We anticipate raising additional funds through private donations and grants,” said Bob Campagna, chair of Mount Vernon Parks & Rec and the ad hoc committee. Residents interested in serving on the sculpture trail committee can email abbecreek@aol.com or marie.devries@gmail.com.

Title:  "Dance Diversity" | Artist: Gail Chavenelle, Dubuque, IA 

Title:  "Girl & Hawk" | Artist: Joe Norman, Loveland, CO