Andrew Crawford Sculpture

Art Sandy Springs sculpture dedication Saturday

Private creativity will become public art Saturday when nonprofit Art Sandy Springs unveils the winner of its May 15 sculpture contest at the local branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library.

Andrew Crawford, whose stainless steel formation "Spooky Tooth" took the $15,000 top prize in the nonprofit's biannual ArtSS In the Open competition, said he was inspired by "manufactured objects, mechanical movement and industrial design," including adjustable wrenches.

"The goal - was to celebrate the evolution of form found in objects that we see and use every day," the northwest Atlanta resident said in a statement. At 7 feet in height and weighing 250 pounds, the monolith stretches the definition of a common household tool.

"It is this process that allows the viewer to engage uniquely in an otherwise ordinary object," Crawford said.

In addition, nine more extraordinary objects - the contest finalists - will be exhibited at the library for a year.

"This is a terrific example of how the city and county can work together," said architect and nonprofit volunteer Randy Young. "We're really happy to have the county allow us to display the sculptures. The city is handling transportation. It's a good collaboration."

Already on the library grounds are sculptor David Landis' 2008 contest winner, "Tumble," which, like "Spooky Tooth," the nonprofit bought for the city, and two finalists from the same contest.

"We will be donating 'Turtle Totem' and 'Skylark' to the city," Young said about artwork by Elder Jones and Phil Proctor, respectively.

The statues may grace the city's upcoming Abernathy Road linear park, but Young said the decision will not be made by the nonprofit. "It'll be up to the city," he said.

The unveiling ceremony will include an appearance by Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos, art demonstrations, games, live music and refreshments.

Crawford is expected to attend the ceremony, as are other Atlanta artists from the 2010 competition like Chris Condon, Toby Martin, Corrina Sephora Mensoff, Steve Steinman and Eric Strauss.

Finalists Samuel Burns, Jim Collins and Greely Myatt are Tennessee residents, while Raymond Katz lives in Pontiac, Mich.

"They all have roots here in some way," Young said.

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