For his sculpture Waiting on a Train of Thought, Charlie Brouwer had a bit of fun with a popular phrase: his life-size wooden figure rests pensively on a suitcase in front of a section of train track. An upcoming journey is clearly implied and the viewer is left to decide whether the trip will be real or metaphorical. Either way, the sculpture’s location near the gardens in front of Gary J. Arthur Community Center provides a pleasant place to wait.
A frequent ARTsites participant, Brouwer has been creating outdoor sculptures for more than 30 years. After learning of the health and environmental risks posed by the treated lumber he initially used for his projects, he turned to woods like black locust and hemlock, whose natural weathering qualities have made them a favorite with farmers for generations. Brouwer grew up in Michigan but now makes his home in rural Virginia, where his nine acres of land provide some of the wood for his artwork. Before retiring to create full-time, he taught art at Radford University.
ARTsites 2022 will be on display through July 2023. Click here to see a list of all twelve sculptures and locations. Our annual ARTsites brochure will soon be available; email info@hocoarts.org to request your free copy.