Public Art Piece Selected for New Evansville Arena

The sculpture, “Vibrant River” by Roger White Stoller, has been selected from more than 40 submissions to be displayed as public art at the new Evansville Arena. The recommendation was made by the Public Art Subcommittee of the Evansville Arena Project Committee (EAPC) and accepted by the full Committee.

Roger White Stoller is a sculptor/designer with over 25 years’ experience in the fields of sculpture, design and product development.  His studio is located in Portola Valley, California.

Stoller chose the bend in the river as the central theme of “Vibrant River”.  He says his goals with the sculpture are to enliven the arena plaza at Main and Sixth Streets, inspire community pride and create a work of art that is complementary to the curves of the downtown arena.  The 40 foot tall, 15 foot wide sculpture, made out of hand finished steel, will located on the outside of the facility facing the arena plaza.

“Public art helps define a community’s identity and has the power to transform the places where we live, work and play.  That is why the plaza at the new Evansville Arena is an ideal location for a piece of public art.  It will enhance the overall experience for arena patrons and make art accessible to all who visit downtown,” said Rita Eykamp, Chair of the Evansville Public Art Commission, Chair of the Arena Public Art Subcommittee and former Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. 

The other finalist selected from the submissions for public art was “Standing Light Sphere” by artist Phillip Vaughn.  The Public Art Subcommittee remains interested in the piece, possibly as a hanging sculpture inside the main lobby of the Arena.  The idea is on hold until the subcommittee can secure funding, possibly through donations and grants.

There were a total of 43 responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a piece of public art for the new Evansville Arena.  The responses came from 20 states, including four from Indiana, and there was one submission from Ireland. The public art RFP was developed in cooperation with the Evansville Public Art Commission and the Evansville Arena Project Committee.  Artists were invited to submit proposals for an original work of art that will be a focal point for the new Arena and for the City.  Final selections were presented to the full Evansville Arena Project Committee and the Evansville Public Art Commission for comment last October. 

Before any piece of art is installed in a public place within the City, it must be approved by the Evansville Public Art Commission.  The Public Art Commission was created in 2003 to enhance the cultural life in our community by generating interest in and support of public art.  It oversees the City’s public art collection and advises the City on policies relating to the purchase, display and maintenance of the City’s permanent art collection.