Bastrop Art in Public Places to Host 2016 Downtown Sculpture Reception

BASTROP, TX - Bastrop Art in Public Places (BAIPP) will host a reception and awards ceremony to present winners of the 2016 Downtown Bastrop Sculpture Project. The event will take place Saturday, March 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut Street.

Ten winning sculptures on loan to the city will be on public display for a year in Bastrop's historic downtown. The public is invited to attend the March 19 reception to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments catered by All's Well Catering. Maps of the artwork installation locations throughout downtown will be available by 2 p.m. at the front entrance of the Bastrop Convention Center.

An awards ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. to recognize the top three artists, as selected by an independent panel of jurors. The first place winner will receive a $1,500 prize, $1,000 will be awarded for second place, and third place will receive a $500 award.

"The Bastrop Art in Public Places board is committed to making visual art accessible for all local citizens and visitors," said Deborah Johnson, BAIPP chairperson and local art gallery owner. "We are pleased to introduce new artwork to this popular outdoor exhibition, enhancing Bastrop's reputation as a cultural arts destination."

The 2016 winning artists are Michael Goulart, Peter Mangan, Pokey Park, Dan Pogue, Dar Richardson, Jack Robbins, Jay Schaan and Anthony St. James. The Downtown Bastrop Sculpture Project, in its second year, is a popular attraction for tourists visiting the city.

About Bastrop Art in Public Places
Bastrop Art in Public Places (BAIPP) works to support the enjoyment, access and appreciation of art on behalf of the citizens of Bastrop, Texas. BAIPP is tasked by the Bastrop City Council with developing guidelines and standards for the selection, display and maintenance of art in public places, as well as the acquisition by loan or purchase of public artwork. The BAIPP board advocates for the positive role art and design can play in community development and the advancement of tourism. For more information, visit www.baipp.org or www.facebook.com/baipp.

Photo Caption:
The artwork entitled "One Trick Pony" by Dan Pogue is one of the new sculptures selected for the 2016 Downtown Bastrop Sculpture Project presented by Bastrop Art in Public Places.