Summerville hosts Sculpture in the South

PROVIDED

John Tolmay's bronze sculpture 'Mirage' is one of the diverse creations to be on display at the Sculpture in the South Exhibition and Sale at Azalea Park in Summerville.

Rodeo competitions were what first intrigued Australian sculptor Mick Doellinger.

In the Outback, he could rope a calf in a skinny minute; but eventually he preferred guiding big-game hunters around the South Pacific, an occupation that led to his practice of taxidermy.

Finally, the native Aussie, now living in Fort Worth, Texas, realized that his real talent lay in sculpting.

His works depicting animals are among those of 35 award-winning sculptors that will be on display at the 10th Sculpture in the South Exhibit and Sale on Saturday and May 18 in Summerville's Azalea Park in the middle of town.

Charlotte Carroll, executive director of the ambitious arts event, says, "These sculptors have created works that now grace public installations across the United States; some are in Brookgreen Gardens, National Sculpture Society Exhibits and the permanent collection at Buckingham Palace in London."

Carroll notes that the sculptures are made in a variety of materials and range from cowboys to ballet dancers and from abstract forms to exotic animals.

"Sculpture in the South has emerged onto the national stage as one of the premier all-sculpture events; also, it enables the public to have the opportunity to get acquainted with sculptors who are at the top of their field and most of them candidly share their stories that inspire their work," Carroll says.

One such sculptor is Californian Shirley McWorter-Moss, a classically trained artist who, after teaching mathematics and aeronautical engineering, decided to return to art. This decision led her to investigate Egyptian and pre-Columbian American art and Southwestern American Indian clay pottery.

The nonprofit exhibition receives no funding from the town of Summerville. Carroll says, "We have never asked for any, and have done quite well with private donations, grants and corporate gifts."

Dora Ann Reaves is chairwoman of Sculpture in the South's 10-member board of directors.

Carroll makes it clear that the major purpose of Sculpture in the South is to promote sculpture through education and through the creation of a permanent sculpture collection that enhances Summerville's public spaces. To be shown again this year will be sculpture made by students in Dorchester County District 2 schools.

"Each of the artists brings 10 or 20 sculptures to the exhibition and sale," says Carroll. From this exhibition, the town has acquired 19 sculptures that grace various venues around Summerville.

Most of the visiting sculptors pay for their lodging. But because many of them return year after year, they have established friendships with local residents.

"About a third of the artists stay in private homes," says Carroll. "We also make sure they are well-fed, like with the Smokin' Cole's Barbecue served during the two days, because we treasure their relationship and the beauty they bring to our fine town."

Reach Dottie Ashley at 937-5704 or dashley@postandcourier.com.