'Reflections' sculpture, Volunteer Plaza to be dedicated Aug. 16

The Volunteer Plaza Community Committee, in partnership with the St. Charles Arts Council and the River Corridor Foundation, and with the cooperation of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, will host a dedication of the new Volunteer Plaza and the "Reflections" sculpture at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. The Volunteer Plaza is the redeveloped green space and walkway just north of the municipal building at 2 E. Main St.

Volunteer Plaza Community Committee Chairman Dr. C. Alfred Patten spearheaded the effort to have a piece of public art in the city that honors volunteerism, as exemplified by Max and Doris Hunt, longtime residents and tireless contributors to the St. Charles community.

The Hunt family's vision wasn't of a statue of their parents, but rather a work of art that captured their spirit. Working together with the St. Charles Arts Council, River Corridor Foundation, the city, and Downtown St. Charles Partnership, the project has been realized.

The "Reflections" sculpture was created by local artist Guy J. Bellaver, who serves on the St. Charles Visitors and Cultural Commission, the St. Charles Arts Council board and who is chairman of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership's public art committee. Bellaver crafted the sculpture from highly polished stainless steel to allow viewers to look at the sculpture and see themselves reflected within the city.

About this gift of public art, Mayor Raymond P. Rogina said, "As an educator in this community for 30 years, volunteerism, education, and Max and Doris Hunt go hand in hand. It is most gratifying for the education community to see this type of recognition."

For information, visit reflectionsatvolunteerplaza.wordpress.com.