A leisurely stroll through downtown Lenox, Mass. on a warm summer day or a crisp fall afternoon invokes feelings of serenity. “Down time” doesn’t get much better. Or does it? Cue an exhibition of work by some of the region’s best sculptors and artists.

SculptureNow (referred to in the past as the Lenox Sculpture Walk) 2012 is in full swing, having opened to the public on June 5; the exhibit will be a town-wide staple through the end of October. The juried exhibition of large-scale outdoor sculptures features 21 pieces on display throughout downtown, on various sites mainly along Kemble, Main, and Walker streets.

It’s quite a sight to see. On Main Street sits a number of sculptures, all unique, interesting, and even thought provoking. Adorning the lawn of the Winstanley Partners office building are three sculptures—“Stalking Cheetah” and “Predatory Cat,” both made of steel and both created by sculptor/artist Wendy Klemperer. These pieces prompted my imagination to run away from me, as I watched in my mind’s eye the large felines approach each other slowly and with fierce caution.

While “Cheetah” is made from rust-colored steel, the lighter color of “Cat” is reminiscent of an historic skeleton that one might see in a museum. Both are stunning.

Also featured on the Winstanley lawn is a large sculpture called “Holdings” by Antoinette P. Schultze. The piece is a combination of granite, stainless steel, and glass; its abstract character and shape is incredibly thought-provoking and quite striking.

Walk almost directly across the street and you’ll be faced with (pun slightly intended) a series of five ceramic-cast faces within rust-colored steel circles atop steel pedestals. Daniel Stienstra created these, which he has titled “Monuments.” At first glance, these pieces are uniform. But move a little closer and you’ll see that each face is different, each with eyes closed and a slight smile. Incredibly interesting…extraordinary, even.

At the corner of Franklin and Church streets sits a face that could seemingly overlook much of downtown. Titled “Gates of Transcendence,” Michael Alfano’s white steel reinforced resin sculpture is two separate pieces of the same face. It is about 6 (ish) feet tall, and just a little less wide. It’s something I found difficult to look away from, it’s “I’m worlds away in my mind” expression staring right through me.

There are many other sculptures that dress up downtown Lenox. As in years past, the pieces in this 2012 exhibition are so unique and amazing. So pause the summer barbeques and fall leaf-peeking, and make time for a laid-back walk through town filled with art and culture.

A complete map of the sculpture walk, which canvases about a half-mile, is available through the Lenox Chamber of Commerce, located at 18 Main Street. You can also learn more online via the Chamber’s website—www.lenox.org.

-Justine Murphy is a Public Relations Specialist with Winstanley Partners.
She is a cheese aficionado.