Sculpture's return highlights art event

PROVIDED

'Dreamin' of the Big Game,' before it was stolen in 2007.

Sculpture in the South has made another great "catch," just in time for the 10th annual Exhibit and Sale this weekend at Azalea Park.

"Dreamin' of the Big Game," a bronze creation that was stolen last year from Gahagan ball fields, badly damaged and found later at a metals recycling plant, will be replaced by an identical sculpture by the original artist. The new version of "Dreamin' " will be on display at the Exhibit and Sale, said Charlotte Carroll, executive director of Sculpture in the South.

The Exhibit and Sale, which brings artists and patrons together, is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Carroll said 35 of the top fine-art sculptors in the U.S. are expected.

"All of the sculptors remain on site all weekend, chatting casually with visitors and discussing inspirations for their work," she said. Visitors can watch and ask questions while artists work and demonstrate the processes and techniques it takes to create sculpture.

Art created in local schools will be featured.

This year's original fine art sculpture will include everything from cowboys to Confederate generals, ballet dancers to mythical characters, and abstract forms to exotic animals, she said.

The return of "Dreamin' " helps make this year's event very special, Carroll said.

Sometime during the night of Sept. 20, "Dreamin,' " which depicts a little boy on his knees, thinking about making a game-saving catch, was stolen from the entrance to the ball fields.

The sculpture was sorely missed, especially by ball players who had developed a tradition of touching mitts with the sculpture on their way to play, Carroll said.

On Nov. 6 of last year, Tony Ramirez, owner of a metal recycling business on Old Orangeburg Road realized the business had taken in "Dreamin,' " and phoned Summerville Police. Ramirez declined reimbursement for his expenses and insisted the money be given to a group at his church.

Sadly, Carroll said, the little bronze ball player had been damaged beyond repair. Sculptor Bobbe Gentry, who made the original "Dreamin,' " will be bringing in a replacement — an identical ball player who, after a brief appearance in Azalea Park, will be heading to Gahagan ball fields.

Summerville's Parks Department Director Mike Hinson and his crew will install safety bollards that will allow pedestrian access while preventing future vandalism, she said.

For more information, see www.sculptureinthesouth.com.

Reach Edward C. Fennell at efennell@postandcourier.com or 745-5865.