The Manufacturing Art Park along the Otis T. Duck Greenway in Mars Hill will celebrate a whimsical new addition in November.
The public art unveiling of “Peerless Oasis,” a piece from renown sculptor Stefan Bonitz representing Hot Springs-based manufacturer Peerless Blowers, is set for Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. along the steep section of the Greenway above the Mars Hill University soccer fields.
“I have chosen the genre of whimsy for this work because I feel, for the location, it will be easy for people from all walks of life and all generations to identify with,” the Asheville-based Bonitz said of the work he calls a “Metal Reincarnation.”
“Peerless Oasis” will be the third edition to the Manufacturing Art Park, which spotlights connections between two key drivers of Madison County’s economy – manufacturing and the arts. Earlier works unveiled along the Greenway – “The Mars Cutter” from David Sheldon and “Timekeeper” from Mary Ruden – honor Advanced Superabrasives and Printpack.
Sara Nichols has spearheaded the public art project since its inception in 2017. “It is important for the community to see the relationship between arts and the manufacturing industry. They are both valuable pieces to our economic puzzle,” said Nichols, who currently leads the county’s economic development efforts in her role as a regional planner with Land of Sky Regional Council.
Bonitz hopes the latest edition to the Greenway will serve as a timeless reminder to find joy in even the most difficult circumstances. “Created in a time when the human population is going through a time of difficult trials with a pandemic and other severe issues, it offers a moment of levity,” he said. “At the same time, the theme draws attention to the animals of the planet which are also dealing with hardships and reminds us that their presence and existence brings to us a smile and comfort.”
