MAYORAL MESSAGE

It’s almost time for Art Around the Corner. Just thinking about that makes me smile. For those in the St. George art community, it can feel like Christmas morning. The excitement is palpable as sculptures are installed at Historic Town Square, along Main Street, and at St. George Regional Hospital.

Which piece will be the big conversation starter this year? Will there be something like the dragon sitting atop the roundabout at 200 North and Main? Will there be sculptures that leave you in awe? Will a certain piece warm your heart? Or make you think?

This year’s sculptures will be installed in March—and I can’t wait.

Now in its nineteenth year, the all-volunteer, nonprofit Art Around the Corner Foundation (AACF) curates and installs sculptures and 3D artwork from artists located all across the country. Each artist agrees to loan their work to the City of St. George for one year, and all pieces are offered for sale or lease.

AACF partners closely with the City to make public art available to the community. Art that is easily accessible for the public adds to the human experience and brings joy to our hearts and smiles to our faces. It also helps us in more practical matters.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the national arts and culture sector is an $860 billion industry annually, representing 4.2 percent of the nation’s GDP—a larger share of the economy than transportation, tourism, agriculture, and construction. So remember, it isn’t only really cool art. People who come downtown to see Art Around the Corner sculptures also contribute to our economy by eating in our restaurants and shopping in our stores.

The city’s ongoing support of the St. George Arts District is a no-brainer. It elevates our quality of life—a significant reason why people move here and longtime residents choose to stay here.

The full collection will be in place ahead of the 2023 St. George Art Festival, slated for April 7–8 at Town Square. Take a moment next time you are downtown to check out the new and beautiful installations. I can’t wait!

Mayor, City of St. George