The City of Boerne was excited to announce the recent installation of its fourth Art al Fresco exhibit, a collection of 10 large-scale sculptures placed around Boerne’s Hill Country Mile, the Patrick Heath Public Library and Boerne’s trail system.
The sculptures are chosen each year through a nationwide competition, and 10 are chosen by the Public Art Competition Committee to be temporarily displayed around Boerne for a year. At the end of the exhibit, the City of Boerne has the option to purchase any of the sculptures, and then the process begins again, and a whole new round of amazing works of art will dot the landscape throughout the city. Two sculptures from the 2018 exhibit, “Traction,” located at the Patrick Heath Public Library, and “Tilt,” found at the Old No. 9 Trailhead at Blanco Rd., were added to Boerne’s permanent collection after a city council vote this year.
The best part is that the sculptures aren’t roped off and kept at arm’s length from the public. These amazing pieces are completely accessible and are designed to be touched and admired closely and are even accompanied by an app called “Otocast,” which includes recordings from the artists themselves describing their piece and their inspiration behind it.
This year’s exhibit is full of fun and whimsy, with pops of drama, including everything from a tall hot pink unicorn and colorful chameleon named “Skittles,” to the more dramatic “Sitatunga,” which is reminiscent of a majestic antelope that keeps watch over the library grounds.
Throughout the year, visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite sculptures HERE, and the sculpture with the most votes will be named “Boerne’s Choice,” and considered for purchase when the exhibit comes to a close.
More information and a map of the sculptures is available at www.artalfresco.org, which makes it easy to plan a walk along the trails – a perfect family or solo outing in the Hill Country’s beautiful Spring weather. You can also find great information and art-related fun by following Art al Fresco on Facebook and Instagram.
If you happen to be out and about on the Hill Country Mile, you can grab a map with pictures at the Patrick Heath Public Library, the Boerne Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce. And don’t forget to download the Otocast app to round out your experience.
Written by: Kirk Thompson