“BLUE BIRD CONDO”:  This sculpture by George Olexa is one of 63 colorful “ArtSpires” decorated by local artists and community members and installed at 19 locations throughout Hopewell Valley in fall 2020. The will remain on display until this spring.

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s community art project and exhibition, “ArtSpires,” has received tremendous support from artists and community members. Sixty-three colorful sculptures, decorated by local artists and community members, were installed in clusters at 19 locations throughout Hopewell Valley in fall 2020. The “ArtSpires” were sold during the a month-long online auction in December to benefit the HV Arts Council and artists. While all the “ArtSpires” found future homes, they will remain on display until spring 2021.

“ArtSpires” commemorates the loss of native ash trees from the harmful effects of the emerald ash borer beetle as the culmination of the organization’s multi-year initiative “Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees.” Wood for these projects were milled from ash trees felled by Hopewell Township and transformed into art.

“Participating in the ‘ArtSpires’ community project was a beautiful experience,” said artist Sheetu Batra. “The HV Arts Council did a terrific job with all of the efforts that went into making this project a success. For us personally, it was a great way to connect as a family and create something beautiful during these tough times.”

“This was truly a community effort bringing together our creative artists, municipal support, enthusiastic bidders, and, of course, Mother Nature,” said Carol Lipson, HV Arts Council executive director, “Special thanks to Delis Landscaping of Pennington, for their generosity installing the spires throughout the Valley.”

While it is best to see the “ArtSpires” in person before they go to their new homes in the spring, they can be viewed anytime at the Hopewell Valley Arts Council website. For artist statements and photos of all of the “ArtSpires,” plus a colorful map, visit hvartscouncil.org.