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On May 1, Legendary Main Street will have a whole new visual treat for visitors as more than a dozen sculptures from artists across the nation will be on display.

Bases for the sculptures are currently being put in place which will ensure that the art will be a hard to miss sight downtown.

“When you see Main Street, you’re going to see sculptures,” said Sturgis Chamber Executive Director Michele Loobey- Gertsch.

The artwork that will be on display are truly examples of some of the best large scale sculptors from across the nation. From traditional bronze to abstract, the Scultpure Walk will provide a wide variety of talent to enjoy.

Bob York of Weaver Art gallery said the most challenging part of the process of the Sculpture Walk that began in February of 2009, has been sponsorship.

“There are so many projects going on that need money,” he said.

York said the Sculpture Walk is still looking for sponsors, “but it’s coming together.”

He said he has enjoyed jurying the artists.

“We have 14 artists from nine states,” York said. “It’s truly the best from the best artists.”

Many of the artists came to know of the walk from Dale Lamphere, York said.

“Dale has great relationships with so many artists around the country,” York said.

York isn’t worried about taking away a few parking spaces on Main Street.

“The quality of the art will make people go, ‘Wow,’” York said. “I don’t think one less parking space is going to matter.”

Sculptures to be included in the walk are:

“The Human Link” by Jon D. Hair, one of the most highly commissioned monumental sculptors in the nation. “Age of Aluminum” is a unique piece by Gary Mitchell of St. Louis, Mo. that blends sheet metal fabrication with historic public figure sculpture. George W. Lundeen’s “Waitin’ For An Answer” depicts a cowboy and his canine companion leaning on a mailbox in a time when receiving a simple letter was an event.

 “Grace” by Richard Arfsten, “The Point” by Piedmont’s own, Lane Golliher,  David Norrie’s “The Spirit Speaks”, Fred Hoppe’s “American Eagle”,  Jack Kruetzer’s “Spanish Daggers”, “Golden” by Parker McDonald, and “Seven Seven Seven by Bruce Niemi will also be on display.

Weaver Art Gallery, working closely with Lamphere has spearheaded this ambitious new opportunity for both the artists involved and the businesses on Main Street.

“This will advance the cause of making Main Street a major destination for businesses and also providing some wonderful exposure for the artists involved. This is just wonderful for Sturgis and for the artists,” said Loobey-Gertsch.

In addition to the Main Street artwork, Lazelle will also have two sculptures on display as well as one on Junction Avenue at the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce. The sculptures will be displayed through October with plans to continue the event on an annual basis with new artists and sculptures chosen to be on display each year.

“This is huge. The Scultpure Walk will reflect the arts, what’s happening in our community, all while building on that legendary name,” said Loobey-Gertsch.

A Sculpture Walk Artist Reception is planned for the evening of April 30 at the Sturgis First Interstate Bank, giving the community a chance to enjoy local musical entertainment, hors d’oevres and refreshments while meeting the artists behind the sculptures.

For additional information on the artists or to see a preview of their sculptures, visit www.weaverartgallery.com and click on the Sturgis Sculpture Walk link.