Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department Set to Unveil Public Art, Ribbon Cutting November 4th

Clarksville, TN – The City of Clarksville’s Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to a Ribbon Cutting for the first public art piece, Forged in Fire, installed in downtown Clarksville. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 4th, 2015 along the Upland Trail on South Spring Street.

During a violent storm in 1978, multiple fires broke out in Clarksville with one hitting Orgain Building Supply.

Its blaze warped a steel rack into a twisted shape that ultimately became this sculpture.

When the company rebuilt, it placed the sculpture – entitled Forged in Fire – in front of its new building as a nod to the mythical phoenix that rises, reborn, from the ashes.

A renewal of the sculpture began in 2014 and after Orgain donated it to the city, students from Montgomery Central High School refashioned the piece. Edges were smoothed, 80 pounds were trimmed off, and it was painted with an industrial enamel called Safety Red.

The base was then filled with missives from area students that included their hopes and dreams. The sculpture also stands as a memorial to students whose lives were cut short and who didn’t get to pursue their hopes and dreams.

This project was made possible by the following: Arts & Heritage Development Council, APSU Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, the City of Clarksville and the Public Arts Commission.

About the Clarksville Parks ans Recreation Department

The mission of the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department is to provide a variety of positive recreational experiences to enhance life values for individuals, families, and our diverse culture.

To learn more, visit www.cityofclarksville.com, like us on Facebook, or call 931.645.7476.