Sculpture on Main helps put MFalls on the map

Organizers are unveiling 42 primarily new sculptures on Historic Main Street and in the downtown area that are sure to amaze, entertain, raise a few eyebrows and hopefully spark some animated discussions.

Surveys since the first open-air exhibit was launched last year indicate that many of the visitors to Sculpture on Main came solely to see the artwork; they were predominantly from out of town. While they were here, they spent their money in shops and local restaurants, infusing the local economy with capital.

There is more to art than money, of course, but the dollars never hurt.

As an added bonus, other cultural or art-related sites in Marble Falls also benefit from the increased visits — the Falls on the Colorado Museum, jSpace Gallery, the Highland Arts Guild, the Riverbend Gallery, the Uptown Marble Theater and many others.

A recent presentation by the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce to the City Council showed that non-local media stories about Marble Falls and the Highland Lakes are on the upswing, ranging from features in the Dallas Morning News to the New York Times.

Presentations such as Sculpture on Main are in some part responsible for adding this new dimension to Marble Falls’ reputation, giving an air of legitimacy to claims of being more than just a place to park a boat.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with fishing and lake activities as another component of the local economy, but it’s always better to branch out.

While Sculpture on Main is itself free, the layout allows visitors to meander among the town’s shops and cultural attractions, providing more points of contact and plenty of places to drink in the local flavor.

There are plenty of activities planned with the opening this week of Sculpture on Main. Locals and visitors alike should try to experience at least some of them.

The Uptown Arts Alliance will kickoff the sequel year of the Sculpture on Main program with a public reception and official recognition 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday beneath a tent in the parking lot between City Hall at 800 Third St. and the theater, 218 Main St. 

Also on Saturday, Public Arts Day will be celebrated with a plethora of activities at jSpace, 206 Main St. and Riverbend, 710 First St. 

In addition, the St. John’s Catholic Church Teen Folklorico Dance Troupe will perform downtown at noon, and the Marble Falls High School Mime Troupe will perform skits during the day. 

Joining the ranks of the other artists, The Harmony School of Creative Arts dancers and the Hill Country Community Theatre of Cottonwood Shores will also participate in Public Arts Day. 

Sculptors from across Texas are taking part in the program this year, as are artists from Florida, New York, Ohio and Puerto Rico. Local sculptors include Dan Pogue (one of the event’s founders), the Rev. Jairo Lopez of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls, J.C. Matlock from Marble Falls, Marla Ripperda of Burnet and Willy Gunther of Spicewood.  

And remember, Sculpture on Main is a nonprofit organization that offers tax-deductible sponsorships. If you want to learn more about that, call (830) 693-9544. 

In the end, the idea of raising awareness that Marble Falls is more than just a quaint stop on U.S. 281 seems to be catching on, and bold exhibits such as Sculpture on Main only help cement that reputation.