New Art in Centennial Plaza – “The Flame”
In lieu of an unveiling, the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture department is posting a 7 part series about the piece. Follow them here on Facebook to read more about this interesting addition to the Round Rock art scene.
Original Story…
Sculpture to be celebrated with an unveiling and reception on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Centennial Plaza
The City of Round Rock Arts and Culture’s Public Art Program, established in 2011, presents temporary, visiting, and permanent works of art and is thrilled to announce the Spring 2024 news of a generous gift to the community – a sizeable sculptural artwork by artist George Sabra. This big-hearted donation will find its forever home in Centennial Plaza in Round Rock, TX, thanks to the generosity of its donors, the Cruickshank Family.
Patrick, Caroline Cruickshank, and their family share about the meaningful nature of this gift: “We are very pleased to gift this sculpture to the City of Round Rock and hope that both its message of sustainability and eternal energy can enlighten the community.” Approximately 70% of this artwork is sourced from discarded materials found in Round Rock.
This work breathes new life into discarded materials. “The Flame” sculpture is a testament to rebirth and sustainability. Crafted from 2,000 pieces of discarded materials from construction sites and marble and granite suppliers in Round Rock and Austin, each piece measuring 6 ½” x 4 ½, this sculpture addresses the issue of construction waste, inspiring reclamation and creative reuse. “The Flame” encourages us to see the potential in what we discard and to breathe new life into it through recycling.
This work breathes new life into discarded materials. “The Flame” sculpture is a testament to rebirth and sustainability. Crafted from 2,000 pieces of discarded materials from construction sites and marble and granite suppliers in Round Rock and Austin, each piece measuring 6 ½” x 4 ½, this sculpture addresses the issue of construction waste, inspiring reclamation and creative reuse. “The Flame” encourages us to see the potential in what we discard and to breathe new life into it through recycling.
Addressing the reclaimed and sustainable nature of “The Flame,” George Sabra relates: “The sculpture has a hollow core that facilitates the storage of the Sun’s energy in the granite and marble during the day. Even at nighttime, heat radiates from the structure, making it a unique and sustainable work of art.”
The City of Round Rock Arts and Culture extends its appreciation to the Cruickshank Family for its kindness in gifting this thought-provoking and everlasting work to the community, and thanks to the artist for sharing his talent and creativity.
The official sculpture unveiling and reception will be celebrated at Centennial Plaza in Downtown Round Rock on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 6:30 pm.
Public Art in Round Rock is on view 365 days per year and is managed by the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture. Learn about the diverse array of sculptures on view and use the GIS mapping tool for a self-guided tour via mobile phone: www.roundrocktexas.gov/city-departments/arts-and-culture/public-art.
ABOUT ARTIST: GEORGE SABRA
As unique as a fingerprint, George Sabra’s sculpted creations are one of a kind, each a true original. Seeing limitless possibilities in materials that others would abandon or discard, Sabra artistically recycles. When others would destroy, Sabra creates.
Sabra’s media is descended from two worlds, both natural and man-made. Because of this, he finds himself drawn to all sorts of discarded material – plastic, metal, and computer waste in combination with earthly offerings of driftwood, roots, granite, and marble. “I believe it is possible to work with any material,” he says passionately. “I do not see myself as a wood sculptor, or a clay sculptor, or a metal sculptor. I am simply a sculptor.”
In awe of nature, his use of man-made materials is primarily as a complement or extension of the natural resources he chooses. He explains his perspective, saying, “I want to show how man’s accomplishments can and should flow in harmony with the natural world.” With current environmental concerns, it is an artistic idea whose time has come. And while it is tempting to label Sabra’s style as ‘contemporary,’ his skills reveal a respect for the principles of traditional fine art. Contact/follow: team@georgesabra.com | www.georgesabra.com
ABOUT PUBLIC ART IN ROUND ROCK
For over 13 years, the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture has presented artwork in a variety of mediums by diverse artists in outdoors locations in Round Rock, Texas. Public Art in Round Rock includes temporary, visiting, and permanent exhibited art, including sculptures and murals. A veritable outdoor museum, among the past highlights, was a year-long outdoor exhibition of the works of renowned Chiricahua Apache sculptor Allan Houser in Downtown Round Rock.
Public art is an inclusive experience for residents of and visitors to Round Rock, TX. As of Spring 2024, there are over 45 works on view throughout Round Rock. Public Art is managed and curated by the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture.
Images and copy courtesy of Round Rock Arts and Culture
