Restored Alexander Calder Sculpture to Return to Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, 10/12

The iconic, 11 foot tall, red and black sculpture that adorns the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts front steps, recently on sabbatical for restoration efforts, will return home to the Center on Saturday, October 12. Known as "The Red Feather," and completed by artist Alexander Calder in 1975, the sculpture has been a symbol of not only the Kentucky Center, but downtown Louisville since its acquisition and installation in 1989.

Although its four profiled planes stand firmly perpendicular to the ground, the illusion of movement is a hallmark in not only "The Red Feather," but most works by Alexander Calder. As one walks around the sculpture, its great wings and half-moon shapes seem to billow and swell, coming in and out of view in unexpected perspectives. The sculpture, a local favorite, was purchased from the Pace Gallery in New York City in 1989 as a gift to the Center from the Mary and Barry Bingham Sr. Fund and the Humana Foundation. The piece is an important part of the Kentucky Center art collection, which also includes sculptures by Joan Miró and Jean Dubuffet.

The American Stripping Company (ASCO), in Manassas, Virginia, undertook the restorations. All of the bolts were replaced with custom Calder bolts, as many were structurally weak from corrosion. A protective layer of zinc was applied to corroded and high risk elements for greater protection. The sculpture also received its first new coat of paint since 2002, and work was done in consultation with the Calder Foundation to ensure the repainting was done to their specifications.

"We're very excited to have our hallmark work of art returned to its rightful place," said Don Parkinson, Interim President of the Kentucky Center.

For more information, please visitwww.kentuckycenter.org.