Wood and stone

The Platte Valley Arts Council (PVAC) is pleased to present “Two’s the Limit,” a sculpture selected for the public art displays to be revealed in the valley this fall. This work includes a 20-by-15-by-11-inch sculpture of trout leaping into the air by local artist Jerry Wood.

The sculpture is one of seven new public art displays in the Platte Valley, that will be revealed this fall. These pieces feature local artists and include murals and sculptures depicting local life and culture.

Wood’s sculpture demonstrates his expertise in using translucent Italian alabaster. It highlights Saratoga and its motto, “where the trout leap in Main Street.”

“This is an important project for me,” Wood said. “I have always seen Saratoga and the Platte Valley as an art community. I have enjoyed public art in other cities and am proud to be involved in this project.”

Wood’s piece will live in the lobby of the Platte Valley Community Center, which also uses a leaping trout in its logo.

PVAC will compensate each artist for their talents and the material needed to execute and install the piece of art. Funding for the public art displays comes from grants, business partners, and donations. The Platte Valley Public Art Project is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, a program of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Bridge Street Bargains in Saratoga also supports the project with a $5,000 grant.

PVAC has identified several locations for the public art displays considering ease of physical access by the public, the willingness of property owners to partner with PVAC for maintenance needs, and the relevance of the artwork to the location.

Once the artists complete their pieces, PVAC will host a Grand Reveal Event in September.

PVAC will also launch a new website that will highlight the new public art pieces, existing murals, and other public art in the Platte Valley. Photos, descriptions, artist information, and a map indicating locations will be included. The website will be promoted through the Saratoga - Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce, restaurants and motels, and other public locations. The artwork will have permanent signage notating project donors and sponsors.

Those interested in supporting the public art display project can donate on the PVAC Facebook page.