2027 Sculptures on the Square: Constructing Art

Description

Sculptures on the Square is Downtown Troy's biennial outdoor public art exhibition celebrating creativity, community, and the power of public spaces. Set throughout Troy's historic downtown, the exhibition transforms sidewalks, plazas, and gathering places into an accessible outdoor gallery enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors each year. For 2027, artists are invited to explore a community in transformation through our newest theme: Constructing Art
Downtown Troy is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation investment in its future. Streets are being rebuilt. Infrastructure is being strengthened. Public spaces are being reimagined. While cranes, cones, and construction fencing may temporarily change the landscape, they also represent something much greater: a community making intentional investments to ensure its historic downtown remains vibrant for generations to come. This exhibition celebrates that journey."Constructing Art" explores the intersection of building and belonging, preservation and progress, history and innovation. We invite artists to consider not only the physical act of construction but the many ways communities are built through collaboration, craftsmanship, resilience, stewardship, and imagination.We encourage broad interpretations of the theme. Your work might explore:
Building stronger communities
The relationship between old and new
Historic preservation and adaptive reuse
Growth, transformation, and renewal
Infrastructure as the unseen framework supporting everyday life
The people, trades, and craftsmanship behind construction
Balance, support, engineering, and design
The beauty found in works-in-progress
The foundations, both literal and symbolic, that allow communities to thrive

Material Inspiration
Artists are encouraged, though not required, to incorporate materials traditionally associated with construction or infrastructure into their work. Consider using or reimagining materials such as:
Steel
Iron
Aluminum
Reclaimed wood
Concrete
Brick
Stone
Glass
Cable
Wire
Rebar
Fasteners and hardware
Architectural salvage
Industrial components
Repurposed construction materials (cones, barrels, etc.)
Traditional sculptural media are equally welcome when they thoughtfully interpret the exhibition theme.Whether abstract or representational, whimsical or contemplative, we encourage works that invite curiosity, conversation, and interaction with the public.

Exhibition Goals
Selected sculptures should:
Reflect the spirit of Constructing Art
Be visually engaging within a public downtown environment
Be durable for outdoor display throughout the exhibition period
Encourage visitors to explore Downtown Troy
Inspire dialogue about community, creativity, and transformation