The volunteer organization with HandMade in America’s Small Town Revitalization Program, Discover Columbus, is going public with its effort to add public art to the Town of Columbus. Join them on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. for an open house at Columbus Town Hall. They will be showcasing the three-piece collection of Mountain Men sculptures that were unveiled earlier this year to the Columbus Town Council.

Just like the Town of Columbus, which was carved from the wilderness, the three sculptures are carved from a native red cedar tree. The three artists, Don Blackwell, Albert Oldham, and Art Sauder spent countless hours carving portions of the mature red cedar tree into the Columbus Mountain Men, to which they generously donated to the Town of Columbus for residents and visitors to enjoy. Each sculpture is unique in its own way and features an attractive red-colored wood grain found in mature red cedar trees.

Historically, Columbus had its very own Mountain Man by the name of Bill Williams. Williams was known as “Old Bill” Williams and left the area in 1793. Old Bill helped survey the Santa Fe Trail and, like the three Mountain Men sculptures, had a burly red beard.

The public is invited to the open reception inside Columbus Town Hall. There will be light refreshments served. The Discover Columbus committee is hopeful folks will attend, celebrate, and encourage the continuation of similar efforts in Columbus.

Discover Columbus is committed to promoting the economic, cultural and creative development of Columbus, N.C. The Mountain Men public art project is a just one of several efforts the community is working on. HandMade in America, a unique non-profit organization serving the 25 counties of WNC, believes that craft, heritage, and culture are economic engines that build authentic, sustainable, and vibrant places to live, work, and play. Additional information is available online at handmadeinamerica.org or by calling 828-252-0121.

-Submitted by Janelle Wienke