TROY SCULPTURES ON THE SQUARE Features 22 Life-Sized Sculptures Created By Seward Johnson

Marilyn Monroe has taken up residency in downtown Troy, Ohio. As she showcases her iconic stance, a photographer snaps photos. In the background, a man tends his garden while a couple plays Frisbee. These scenes and more are part of downtown Troy's Sculptures on the Square exhibit. Held June 14th through September 13th, the Sculptures on the Square exhibit, hosted by Troy Main Street, features 22 life-sized sculptures created by internationally renowned artist, Seward Johnson.

While eighteen of Johnson's sculptures will feature everyday life, four of the sculptures featured in downtown Troy are part of Johnson's "Beyond the Frame" and "Icons Revisited" series. Based on famous paintings, the "Beyond the Frame" series is geared to inspire and to educate, while the "Icons Revisited" series entertains and fascinates.

"We are thrilled to bring these life-sized pieces to downtown Troy," said Nicole Loy, Executive Director of Troy Main Street. "Seward Johnson sculptures feature scenes ranging from normal experiences to legendary events, and they are all absolutely fantastic."

Among the Seward Johnson exhibit, one regional sculptor was selected to display her work, titled Strawberry Girl. This piece was inspired by one of Ohio's most popular festivals, the Strawberry Festival, held in downtown Troy. "Strawberry Girl is an 8-foot-tall vibrantly colored sculpture of a girl in a strawberry dress with vines wrapping around the waist ending with a plump homegrown strawberry in her hand," said Shannon Timura, the winning artist. "I chose to keep her hair a pure white with slight yellow accents to mimic the strawberry flowers on the waistline of her dress."

While the sculptures are the highlight of Sculptures on the Square, art abounds throughout the downtown in a variety of forms. Fifteen downtown businesses are teaming up with an equal number of artists to showcase 2D work inside local shops. Paintings, photography, and more will be showcased in storefronts and walls, allowing guests the opportunity to view and buy art as they explore the downtown.

Troy Main Street is also inviting visitors to be "Be Part of the Art" with art-related activities and experiences throughout the exhibition period. June 14th will serve as the kick-off gala with onsite artists and a musical performance led by 50s and 60s variety group, The Buzz Ford Show featuring the American Kings. Troy Main Street will also hold a Mural Day and LEGO Day on the final Friday of June and July, respectively. Sculpture Day, held in conjunction with the downtown's Tour de Donut bicycle race, will feature donut-inspired sculpture projects for kids and adults alike. To help guests explore each piece, the third Saturday of each month will include docent-led art walks. Each walk will begin and end at the downtown Farmers' Market located on the public square.

"Downtown Troy is the perfect location for Sculptures on the Square," said Loy. "The blooming flowers that line the streets provide the perfect atmosphere, and with over 50 stores, visitors can shop, dine, and explore the downtown in addition to viewing the artwork. This exhibit offers the community and visitors one more reason to fall in love with downtown Troy."