As the sun rose over the Danville Science Center, sculptor Rob Craig carefully tightened bolts on his striking creation, “Sea-saw,” one of 10 new pieces added to the Danville Art Trail, which is a rotating outdoor public art display located throughout the River District, along the Riverwalk Trail, and at other sites.
Craig, a professor of sculpture at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, has spent the past 35 years creating large-scale works that inspire and intrigue viewers across the United States.
“I do both commission work and studio pieces like this one for public art exhibitions in communities like Danville,” Craig said, stepping back to examine his work during its installation in early November. “This is my first piece for Danville. I found out about the Art Trail through a call for entries.”
Since its launch in 2015 with just seven sculptures, the Art Trail has grown significantly in size and scope. This year, it welcomes 10 new sculptures, which will join four returning pieces from the previous round to create an eclectic collection of 14 outdoor masterpieces. These works will remain on display for 24 months, offering viewers ample time to explore their diverse styles and themes.
The story behind “Sea-saw”
“Sea-saw” is an abstract sculpture, fabricated from 12-gauge sheet steel and painted with industrial paint to withstand outdoor conditions. Its graceful curves and dynamic structure invite viewers to engage with its forms without dictating a single interpretation.
“The most important thing is how it activates other people’s imaginations rather than them trying to figure out what I was thinking when I made it,” Craig said. “The way that I develop the abstract form is through studying certain objects that I collect, and through drawing and model building.”
For “Sea-saw,” the process started with a hand-forged Japanese saw called a whaleback and an antique sailor’s knife. Both are tied to water and maritime activities, so Craig said the name “Sea-saw” naturally came to mind.
Craig draws, models, and refines his concepts, often merging forms into something entirely new. While viewers may not immediately identify the inspiration, they might notice echoes of tools, ships, or rudders in the sculpture’s silhouette. Additionally, the color was chosen to connect it to the water.
However, Craig emphasized that he does not want to dictate what viewers should see, but instead open a door to their own thoughts. “It’s not important that they think of it as I’ve thought of it,” he said.
The piece took Craig about seven months to complete, working around his teaching schedule. He hopes that, like other works on the Danville Art Trail, it becomes a point of inspiration and connection for the community.
The other artists and their work
Public art is more than an aesthetic enhancement. It provides social, cultural, and economic value to cities. By transforming ordinary spaces into engaging destinations, the Danville Art Trail encourages community interaction, supports tourism, and makes the city more attractive to residents and businesses. It also reinforces Danville’s identity as a place where creativity thrives.
The new sculptures bring an array of styles, from playful and whimsical to bold and thought-provoking. Aside from “Sea-saw,” here’s a look at what will be on display and their location when installation is complete:
New pieces
- “Bealtaine” by Aisling Millar McDonald, Ruby B. Archie Public Library (downstairs).
- “Three Hand Reel” by Aisling Millar McDonald, Charles H. Harris Financial Service Center.
- “The Butterfly Enchanter” by Aldo Muzzarelli, Home plaza.
- “Split Atom” by Hanna Jubran, Community Market trailhead of the Riverwalk Trail.
- “Tasia” by Jessica Bradsher, Riverwalk Trail near the Robertson Bridge.
- “Spherica III” by Lawrence Feir, Union Street Overlook along the Riverwalk Trail.
- “Big Orange Stack” by Robert Coon, Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.
- “Three Little Birds” by Scott Harris, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
- “Neptune” by Wayne Vaughn, near the Community Market on Craghead Street.
Returning pieces
- Triad by Scott Strader, Police Station.
- Fleur de Soleil by Tim Werrell, Court Street entrance of the Municipal Building.
- Moonshine by Richard Whitehill, City Auditorium.
- Dragonfly by Pamela Reithmeier, Ruby B. Archie Public Library (upstairs).
Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious passerby, the Danville Art Trail offers an opportunity to see the city through a new lens. With “Sea-saw” and other installations waiting to be discovered, it’s a journey that promises inspiration at every turn.