The pieces are being put in place for the 7th Annual Arts R Alive in Webster City Sculpture Event. The festivities begin Wednesday at 4 p.m. at West Twin Park. The event is free and open to the public.

This year, eight pieces are expected at the event. Each piece is diverse and provides a fresh perspective for viewers.

“We have quite a variety this year,” said Janet Adams, Arts R Alive Sculpture event coordinator. “We’ll have two that are very colorful, maybe three.”

Artists from Kansas City, Missouri, Oskaloosa, Emmetsburg and Webster City will have their work featured at the park for the year. Fourteen individuals applied to have their work showcased at West Twin Park. An increase from the amount of applicants in 2016.

—Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Adri Sietstra One of the newest sculptures at West Twin Park is pictured above. It was placed just in time for the Arts R Alive Sculpture Event. The two-day event begins Wednesday night at West Twin Park.

“Some of them are return artists and some of them are brand new artists,” said Adams. “We used the cafe system again to have artists enter their pieces. The judge picked the ones that fit the public art.”

Viewing the sculptures and street paintings will officially begin on Wednesday evening at 4 p.m. and go until 7 p.m. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday evening, the Kris Karr Band, from Fort Dodge, will entertain the crowd.

On Thursday night, Jive for Five, the Brass Quintet, will play for event attendees beginning at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., the sculptors will speak about their entries.

Special guest and judge Dan Perry will make his remarks after the sculptors speak about their pieces. Perry is a sculptor from the University of Northern Iowa. Perry will critique the entries and speak about the importance of art and the role it plays in every community.

“These are really quality, durable pieces that are coming,” Adams said.

A new feature at this year’s event is the addition of a special mobile phone app. The downloadable app will give individuals the opportunity to hear each artist speak about their piece. The AutoCast app will feature remarks from each artist displaying their work at West Twin Park.

The event will also feature complimentary wine and cheese refreshments.

“We hope folks will be out and come out to the event,” said Adams.

Adams is excited about showcasing new art in Webster City. She noted it couldn’t be done without the generosity of multiple donors.

“The donors were just extra-ordinary generous this year,” Adams said. “I’m just amazed at our donors and so happy with everything they have contributed.”

For more information visit artsralive.org or call (515) 832-4547.