World-renowned sculptor builds symbolic centerpiece for Snow Canyon Parkway roundabout

Old Highway 91 and the Red Mountain, Ivins, Utah, July 27, 2012 | Photo and image composite by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News

IVINS – The City of Ivins has commissioned Ivins resident and world-renowned sculptor Edward Hlavka to sculpt an 18-foot-tall bronze centerpiece for the new Snow Canyon Parkway-Snow Canyon Drive intersection roundabout.

Model of the Snow Canyon Parkway roundabout centerpiece, May 1, 2013 | Photo courtesy of City of Ivins
Model of the Snow Canyon Parkway roundabout centerpiece, May 1, 2013 | Photo courtesy of City of Ivins

The centerpiece design was spawned by the Ivins citizens who entered a city-sponsored design idea contest several months ago.

“There were several outstanding entries reflecting various views of our city, past and present,” Mayor Chris Hart said. “Those ideas have gradually evolved into a multi-figure sculpture that touches on both.”

Facing west is the figure of a Native American boy in a crouched position, holding a flute in one hand and gazing at a butterfly perched on his other hand. This figure is a tribute to the Paiute Indians, the earliest residents of the Ivins area, and a statement that music and art transcend time and culture.

Facing south stands a farmer beside his plow, representing the early settlers of Ivins. These determined and hardworking farmers dug a canal to bring irrigation water from Gunlock to the Santa Clara Bench and created the township that has become the modern-day city of Ivins.

Facing Snow Canyon State Park is the figure of a hiker sitting on a rock, pondering the beauty that surrounds him. He represents health, fitness and the outdoor recreation for which Ivins and all of Southern Utah are becoming increasingly well known.

Facing the Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts is the figure of a passionate female singer, a tribute to the performing arts that have become such a significant part of the local culture of Ivins. She represents Tuacahn, Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts, Vista Charter School and the recently announced Arts Center in Kayenta.

Model of the Snow Canyon Parkway roundabout centerpiece, May 1, 2013 | Photo courtesy of City of Ivins
Model of the Snow Canyon Parkway roundabout centerpiece, May 1, 2013 | Photo courtesy of City of Ivins

In the center of the sculpture stands a painter, brush in hand, reaching upwards as if she were painting the sky. She is a tribute to the thriving art community of Kayenta.

Hlavka, who also sculpted “The Mustangs” bronze centerpiece on another roundabout on Snow Canyon Parkway, will take nearly a year to complete this work.

During that time, the city hopes to raise $58,000 for its construction and installation. They will approach local businesses for assistance and invite all community members to contribute as much as they can. Donations can be made at Ivins City Hall or attached to Ivins residents’ utility payments.

“Thank you for your help in developing this idea and making it a reality,” Hart said.

Submitted by: City of Ivins

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Old Highway 91 and the Red Mountain, Ivins, Utah, July 27, 2012 | Photo and image composite by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News
Old Highway 91 and the Red Mountain, Ivins, Utah, July 27, 2012 | Photo and image composite by Alexa Verdugo Morgan, St. George News

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8 Comments

  • Statue Land May 7, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    $58,000 for another statue? Wow! How much of this burden will taxpayers have to shoulder? Did the public get to weigh in on this design or selection of the artist? My first thought was “The Hobbit” or something from a children’s fairy tale. I have to wonder why this area is so obsessed with these stupid statues, particularly that ugly statue of some guy hammering the top of a pole that blocks your vision in the traffic circle in downtown St George.

    Maybe we can start calling St George and its environs “Statue Land”

  • ScottRAB May 8, 2013 at 11:16 am

    If you’re looking at the other side of a modern roundabout when you’re entering, you’re driving unsafely. Drivers entering a modern roundabout should first look for pedestrians, then watch for other motorists coming from the left and then watch for pedestrians when exiting. The motorist on the other side of the circle won’t get to you for 5 or ten seconds.

    • My Evil Twin May 8, 2013 at 4:05 pm

      You are correct Scott. Nor should they be looking at so called “art work” inside the roundabout.

  • Old Man May 8, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    So if I am reading this article correctly, then HIZ-HONOR THE MAYOR commissioned this artwork, before knowing where and how it was going to get paid for. I believe HE should pay for it, along with the city council. Out of their salaries.

  • Geno May 9, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    58,000 actually is very cheap for such a project. Is that just for installation and construction? Or does that include the piece as well?

  • Geno May 9, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    On further research. Cost of a normal life size can cost upwards of 100k. 58,000 must just be for construction. The City needs to disclose how much the total project will cost.

  • JJ Slice May 10, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    If St. George can fill its medians with trees, shrubs, and weekly maintenance workers thus reducing view, decreasing sight distance, and increasing traffic danger then why can’t Ivins fill its round-a-bouts with expensive artowrk that reduces view, decreases sight distance and increases driver distraction and traffic danger?

    I’m amazed that so many people can drive, text, drink a soda, and navigate these roads without more accidents.

  • Samantha Smith June 5, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    Personally, I prefer greenery maybe even a low water feature of some sort. We definately need more of that in the desert with the heat, not a distraction in the middle of a street for goodness sake. It might be meaningful to some, but I think it’s too hard in structure and not particularly inviting when returning home from a days work to be in the middle of our round-a-bout.

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