KY: Kentucky Arts Council

Description: Two columns topped by a futuristic bridge and car

Size: 20' x 25' x 6'

Medium: Stainless Steel

Location: Intersection of Mero and St. Clair Streets, Frankfort, KY 40601

Now Get artist Garry Bibbs Garry Bibbs is Associate Professor for sculpture and printmaking at the University of Kentucky, College of Fine Arts, and the Head of Sculpture Area in Art. With a B.S. in Arts Studio from Kentucky State University, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Kentucky and a Ford Postdoctoral Fellowship to study art at the Chicago Art Institute, he has taught and created art at the University of Kentucky for the last 17 years. He has completed over twenty public art commissions prior to Now Get, including those for the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, University of Kentucky Allied Health Professions and Sciences, Kentucky Commission on Human Rights and the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center.

‘Now get’ is a southern slang that means, to go, depart or to move from one point to another. In an overview, I have created a twin towering, arch passageway structure, which forms into an abstract, flying automobile at the top. The sculpture consists of several major elements: 1) there are two vertically, slightly angled, stainless steel columns with wide bases for seating at the bottom; and 2) at the top of the two columns emerges two looping, abstract expressive bridge forms. From the left column, the looping of the bridges flows upward, then forming an abstraction of a flying automobile. The center of the sculpture creates an 8’-12’ area passageway, which invites the viewer to stroll through and around the artwork. In addition, they can also be seated around the two column base areas. In meaning, the two columns are symbolic of forum, government and order. The looping bridges represents travel, passing through, over and beyond. (Getting people from one place to another, as well as, moving in time from past to the future.) The abstract, flying car allows us an element that we commonly associate with travel and transportation.

Through my art, I want to share honesty about my human experiences, my African American heritage and my environment, whether it is good, bad or indifferent. Life is so precious, so it is important that my viewers feel enlightened, uplifted and free. They should be made aware that there is an answer, a power and a glory. So live a good life and be gracious in God’s creative beauty, which we are given to use as we call, the ARTS.

The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

Kentucky Arts Council
500 Mero Street
21st Floor, Capital Plaza Tower
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-3757
Toll Free: 888-833-2787
FAX: 502-564-2839

Page Updated: 08/11/2007