Sculpture Garden

Thank You

Lee Berger, Blue’s Sandblasting, and Sherwin Williams. Click the link for a peek at the restoration process.

The 621 Gallery Sculpture Garden began with a controversial installation, TrashHenge, by Nancy Rubins in 1979 and was later formalized as a sculpture garden by Charles Hook and David Crook in 1981. This industrial neighborhood, later to be known as the Railroad Square Art Park, would provide an alternative space linking past industry and contemporary sculpture. 621 is working alongside other members of the community to restore the sculpture garden to its former glory.

Restoration

Established in 1981, The Vision for the 621 Sculpture Garden has been to create the largest outdoor exhibition space in Tallahassee, improve the aesthetics of the arts district, and to create a safe environment for guests visiting Railroad Square. An assessment has been made of seven sculptures in the park, a plan of action is in development, and a time line for the restorations is coming into focus. Given the cost of restoring the sculptures, we are asking the community to assist in the process.

Consultations with Mark Dickson about what is needed to restore the sculptures have given us valuable information about the artworks and what he feels is an appropriate course of action. Unfortunately, three of the seven sculptures that were assessed need metal work done on them. This is both an aesthetic issue and a safety issue. In order to proceed, we first need to learn what each sculpture is coated with and what methods can be used in removing the coating for metal work to occur. What we are looking out for is lead contaminated paint, a material has not been in use since the 70s but occasionally be found on newer sculptures. We want to ensure that we understand what materials we are working with in order to better protect those involved in the restoration. The restorations we have planned are heavily dependent on donations and volunteer work.

Scott Rains from Blue’s Sandblasting for paint and rust removal services. After our consultation meeting, Scott has pledged to sandblast three of our sculptures for free. The only cost to 621 will be with the bill of materials. Ron Knight from Corrosion Protection & Solution has pledged to donate a gallon of Quick Tan, a rust inhibitor, for free. Sherman William has pledged to donate paint and primer to this project as well.

We have confirmed that the sculptures have a lead-free surface treatment, and we proceeded with sandblasting the sculptures, Charles Hook’s T-Rail, on the morning of June 14th, 2019. After the old paint and rust was removed, we applied Quick Tan in order to prevent any corrosion from occurring. This gave us a two-week window for welding and filling on the surface of the sculpture. After all the bodywork was completed, we applied an epoxy primer to further prevent corrosion and promote adhesion of the final top coat of paint.

This is a continuous project, and we thank all who have volunteered their time and donations to see to its completion. Below, you will find images of the sculptures that your contributions have helped save.

Vision

Born from a grassroots urban revitalization effort, this project will feature the 17 sculptures in the garden, improve the aesthetics of the Gaines Street area while creating a safe environment for guests of Tallahassee’s largest outdoor exhibition space. The 621 Sculpture Garden will be a destination for cultural tourism, bringing visitors from across the region, the nation and abroad to Florida’s Capital City.

Description

Wood + Partners, Inc. and the Florida State University Master Craftsman Studios have come together to create a comprehensive Sculpture Garden renovation plan. The plan includes landscape and lighting improvements and sculpture conservation. The sculpture garden will function as an outdoor exhibition space for permanent and rotating artwork

Participate

In order to succeed, this project needs support from dedicated community members like you! The 621 Gallery is looking for volunteers to help tend to the Sculpture Garden as well as cash and in-kind donations to sustain the garden throughout the year. All contributions to The 621 Gallery are tax deductible. Contact Executive Director Cynthia Hollis at (850) 224-6163 or 621galleryinc@gmail.com for more information.

Charles Hook

Florida State University art professor and internationally known sculptor Charles Hook died March 17, 2008 after a two year battle with cancer. He was 59.

On March 6, the Charles Hook Sculpture Garden at 621 Gallery was dedicated in the artist’s honor at the Railroad Square Art Park.

Hook’s large-scale, abstract metal sculptures can be found around Tallahassee in locations such as Innovation Park, Tallahassee Community College, Premiere gym and St. John’s Episcopal Church. He also created works in the United Kingdom and South America.

Sponsor

Sponsor a Sculpture

$3,500
Logo on granite sculpture plaque for two years
Recognition on Sculpture Garden entrance sign, print and online maps
Signage on Gallery sponsorship wall for two years
Free logo link on the website and in e-newsletters for two years
$250 Art Bucks (used like cash towards the purchase of art)
10 memberships to The 621 Gallery
25% discount on facility rentals
One free facility rental

Sponsor a Seat

$2,500
Logo on Sculpture Garden bench
Recognition on Sculpture Garden entrance sign, print and online maps
Signage on Gallery sponsorship wall for one year
Free logo link on the website for one year
$100 Art Bucks
5 memberships to The 621 Gallery
25% discount on facility rentals

Iron

$1,500
Recognition on Sculpture Garden entrance sign, print and online maps
Signage on Gallery sponsorship wall for one year
Free logo link on the website for one year
$50 Art Bucks
3 memberships to The 621 Gallery
20% discount on facility rentals

Steel

$500
Signage on Gallery sponsorship wall for one year
Free logo link on the website for one year
$25 Art Bucks
2 memberships to The 621 Gallery
15% discount on facility rentals

If you are interested in supporting this project, please contact Lauren Baker, Executive Director via 621galleryinc@gmail.comor by phone at (850) 224-6163,

Layout

The design for the entry area creates a formal sculpture garden with a meandering walking train and outdoor community classroom. Crosswalks with special paving connect the two garden areas. A new 5′ sidewalk improves the pedestrian link between the sculpture garden and Railroad Avenue. The landscape design will create an effective landscape buffer from adjoining land uses and provide an attractive setting. The sculpture garden when lit will become a dramatic and engaging night time experience for visitors to the Gaines Street area.

The design for this area will create a matrix of sculpture and open space for passive use and recreation. The “Iron Field” can be used for special events and other community purposes. The landscape design will improve views into the space and create an effective buffer for the adjacent railway. The sculptures when lit will provide exciting ambience for evening events at Railroad Square.