News-Record.com

GREENSBORO — Sometime in 2009, passers-by will notice a towering structure near the intersection of Lee Street and Freeman Mill Road and wonder: “What is that?”

Those who stop to investigate likely will find artist Brower Hatcher’s colorful, 40-foot sculpture of stainless steel rods — an early sign of the Downtown Greenway that will eventually encircle the city’s center.

Community development group Action Greensboro hopes to break ground for the first phase of the $26 million, 4.8-mile recreational loop in early 2009, weather permitting.

The project got a big boost on Nov. 4 when voters approved a $7 million bond issue to finance it. It also has garnered $5 million in private funding to date.

Public art — sculpture, benches, bike racks, sign posts and historical markers — will play a visible role along the paved path as it takes shape over five to 10 years.

Hatcher, a Rhode Island sculptor who has created 40 public-art projects across the country, is one of two artists selected so far to create works for the greenway.

He came to Greensboro last week to show his initial concept to a steering committee and art selection panel.

“I am not coming in here and just plunking something down,” Hatcher said Friday. “It is going to be part of this community.”

Hatcher aims to create art that entices people to stop, stare and stay awhile.

“I like to think that it will enable a bridging of differences and in that, build community,” he said.

He envisions a piece 40 feet tall and 17 feet wide, in which stainless-steel rods create what he describes as a geometric matrix. Each layer will be covered with a durable powder coating of a different color.

Greensboro artist Frank Russell will create objects with elementary school students to be embedded in the piece.

The group likes Hatcher’s approach, said Dabney Sanders, greenway project manager for Action Greensboro.

“He understands the power of what public art can do for a community,” Sanders said.

Hatcher’s work will be one of four “cornerstones,” monumental sculptures marking greenway corners. Themes of freedom, tradition, innovation and motion will represent the city’s past and future.

Artists also will create 12 of the greenway’s many benches.

Gary Gresko of Oriental will build the first one in the Warnersville neighborhood, near the intersection of Bragg and Eugene streets.

After meeting with Warnersville residents, Gresko designed five seats of steel and African teak, connected at the corners with “endurance,” “triumph,” “faith,” “strength” and “hope” on seat backs.

Gresko’s work could be installed by spring 2009, Hatcher’s possibly in the summer.

Hatcher likes what he hears about greenway plans.

“Greensboro will become a town where people come to see the art,” he said.

Contact Dawn DeCwikiel-Kane at 373-5204 or dawn.kane@news-record.com