Did you know that there are a dozen pieces of outdoor sculpture on display in Downtown Lenoir, and most of them are for sale? The rotating art collection is part of Tucker's Gallery, a partnership between the City of Lenoir and the Caldwell Arts Council.
Local residents created Tucker's Gallery more than 15 years ago. The gallery is named for the town’s historical Tucker family, who settled in the area in 1797. The Tucker Family barn was located near the Caldwell Arts Council and served as a voting precinct, muster ground, a store, and a place for “frolics” and celebrations. Today, the gallery is managed by the Caldwell Arts Council and supported by the City of Lenoir.
Tucker's Gallery includes 12 pedestals located on Main Street and West Avenue in Downtown Lenoir. Artists generally display pieces for one year, before rotating out.
This map shows the locations of the 12 pedestals in Tucker's Gallery in Downtown Lenoir.
Earlier this year, City Public Works staff created new adapter plates for the pedestals that make it easier for artists to place their work for display.
"The new bases are wonderful," said Ellen Ball, Caldwell Arts Council Director. "If the artist's work fits on the old structure, they can install straight away. If not, they can use the adapter plates, which are more flexible."
The adapter plates allow artists to drill holes where needed to secure their work on the pedestals.
The current sculptures will be on display until the middle of next year. Pieces that are for sale will have a plate showing the price. If an artist sells a piece, they have the option to replace it, or Caldwell Arts Council staff will bring in a new artist.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the first sculpture pedestal to the number 12. Visitors who spend a few minutes at each pieces can view them all in about an hour. Once finished, or along the way, you can get a bite to eat in a downtown restaurant or do some shopping at one of our cool downtown vintage stores or boutiques.
"Downtown Lenoir, and the city in general, is really growing," Mayor Joe Gibbons said. "We've had many news business open in the past year, and there's a lot of positive energy around town. Tucker’s Gallery is a wonderful asset that draws visitors and residents into our beautiful downtown."
For more information about artists and pricing, click the following link, www.caldwellarts.com/sculpture/tuckers-gallery.
Visit www.DowntownLenoirNC.com/entertainment/ for a list of restaurants, bottle shops, meaderies, and boutiques to check while you enjoy the sculpture in Tucker's Gallery.
This piece is located on Main Street across from the Caldwell County Courthouse.
Sculpture Celebration
Caldwell Arts Council's 36th Annual Sculpture Celebration is being held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at the T.H. Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir.
Sculptors will install more than 125 works and compete for more than $11,000 in prizes. The event is free to the public, and the Art's Council is providing shuttle service to and from off-site parking. There will also be food trucks on site and live music by Centerpiece Jazz and Mais Ceu.
The Broyhill Walking Park is located at 945 Lakewood Cir SW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Buying a Sculpture from Tucker's Gallery
If you have questions about Tucker's Gallery or are interested in purchasing a sculpture, please contact the Caldwell Arts Council at 828-754-2486 or office@caldwellarts.com.
Find out more about sculpture and art in Caldwell County by visiting the Caldwell Arts Council website at caldwellarts.com.
This sculpture is located on West Avenue coming into Downtown Lenoir.
This piece is located on Main Street.
Permanent Art Collection
In addition to Tucker's Gallery, Caldwell County has more than 80 pieces of permanent outdoor sculpture. Consisting of pieces created by more than 60 artists, the collection was built through private funding with three pieces being commissioned. One of the commissioned pieces is "Across the Grain", by Thomas Sayre, a 26-foot diameter, 40,000-pound earthcast sculpture resembling a circular hole saw that honors the area's treasured manufacturing past as well as its anticipated future. "Across the Grain" is also located in Downtown Lenoir.
"Across the Grain" by Thomas Sayre is located at the corner of Harper Avenue and Church Street in Downtown Lenoir.