Spotlight on Sculptures in Healdsburg

There are two interesting sculpture-related events happening in Healdsburg in the coming days. First, a group of local students and their advisors — including local artist Jendala Utsch, known for those colorful chimes she makes with inspiring messages on them — will be installing an abstract sculpture of a stop sign, made out of an old red bicycle, along the Foss Creek Pathway early tomorrow morning. The sculpture, called “Adopt-a-Stop,” was funded by a public art grant from the City of Healdsburg. Jendala says she and the kids are installing the art piece right near where the double stabbing happened last weekend, in the vicinity of the skate park — and indeed, she says, the purpose of the art is to prevent these kinds of things from happening in the first place. “Our continuation high school, the high school, mentors, interns and nonprofits all had a part of making this project come to life,” Jendala adds. So go check it out in the coming days! Also on the calendar for this weekend is a mini, two-day art festival of sorts called “International Sculpture Day” that eccentric local sculptor T Barny is hosting — for free — at his picturesque gallery and sculpture gardens out in the rural Alexander Valley, at 4370 Pine Flat Rd. It will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. “Experience the magic as sculptor T Barny, along with 10 other talented Sonoma County artists, showcase their stunning works under the theme ‘Sculptors Shape The World,'” the invite says. “From papier-mâché to ceramics, leather wall hangings to abstract stone, our event promises to be a unique experience for all.” There will also be a chance to “shape your own sculpture” — and even “shape your own food and drink” — at the event, according to T Barny. He tells the Press Democrat that he and his fellow sculptors hope to “raise everyone’s awareness of the importance of sculpture” and the way it “enhances the world around us.” (Source: T Barny & Press Democrat & City of Healdsburg & Jendala via Instagram & HUSD Arts via Instagram)