Bentonville, AR...The Bentonville Public Art Advisory Committee is announcing a recent art piece installation at Train Station Park. Guide These, My Hands is a temporary steel structure secured with helical ground anchors to ensure proper placement and positioning. The frame is draped in 126 yards of lightweight, waterproof nylon fabric, hand-embroidered, and sewn into a continuous ruffle. The deep violet color selected mimics the flower of the wild burdock plant which is best known for its medicinal purposes. Over 20 volunteers hand-stitched the text of the poem, “Foothills Healer”, into the fabric, offering recognition and celebration of traditional Arkansas women and the folk medicine they practiced in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.
The artwork is a magnificent collaboration between sculptor, Danielle Hatch, and poet, Traci Rae Manos – both residents of Benton County. The intent of the piece is to expand on the art and cultural setting of Northwest Arkansas. The lightweight, durable nature of the fabric allows movement in response to wind, weather elements, and visitor interaction. A sign will be placed adjacent to the vibrant sculpture, featuring a description of the project in addition to the meaningful poem that inspired Guide These, My Hands. The design was one of two selected from 27 proposals submitted to the Public Art Advisory Committee. The group established the project in an effort to support the work of local artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. The selected site, Train Station Park, is located at 412 S. Main Street, directly across from the Bentonville Public Library.
To learn more about the Bentonville Public Art Advisory Committee, please visit us online at www.bentonvillear.com/464/Public-Art-Advisory-Committee or call 479.271.6822.
