On Thursday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m., Mayor Freddie O’Connell will join the community at the Nashville Fairgrounds to dedicate and light the new 32-foot-tall Loqui sculpture, designed by artist Blessing Hancock. In case of rain, attendees will gather in Expo Hall One, which offers a view of the colorful sculpture.
Following an open call to artists in 2019, Blessing Hancock was selected by a panel of community members. Her task was to create a work of art representing the voices of the community. Loqui, meaning ‘to speak’ in Latin, reflects the community’s sentiments through 415 phrases, 4,417 words, and 22,020 characters. The Arts Commission approved the Loqui project in 2019.
Latest TN News
“Nashville is home to so many great stories and storytellers. Blessing has captured the voice of countless Nashvillians in this beautiful sculpture, which is one of the most unique and vibrant pieces of art we have in the city,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell said. “I am excited for the community to see and experience the lighting of the sculpture on Thursday evening.”
Hancock added, “I was drawn to how storytelling and self-expression are critical to the Nashville experience. Loqui is the shape of a dual megaphone—it gives local community members a voice but also listens to what they have to say, giving them a chance to be heard.”
In addition to the mayor, other speakers at Thursday’s lighting include:
– Councilmember Terry Vo
– Fairgrounds Director Laura Womack
– Metro Arts Director Dr. Paulette Coleman
– Artist Miriam Speyer
– Artist Blessing Hancock
– Scott Jones, Fair Manager
“Blessing Hancock’s Loqui adds another spectacular sculpture to Metro Nashville’s public art collection of more than 200 artworks. Loqui reflects Nashville’s open arms and open hearts that extend hospitality and warmth to those who believe in the importance of hope, opportunity, and respect as the cornerstones for our creative community,” said Dr. Paulette Coleman, Executive Director of Metro Arts. “Across the generations, we share in Nashville as a place where everyone can flourish.”
Artist Hancock collaborated with local Madison artist Miriam Speyer to engage with the non-profit community and Nashvillians to capture a wide range of voices—young and old—and incorporate their perspectives into the art’s design. Depending on your perspective, the feel of the sculpture changes, just as perspectives of Nashville change based on every Nashvillian’s individual background.
Councilmember Terry Vo, who served on the artist-selection committee before her time on council, added, “Throughout the development of this project, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand how it brought our community together at every stage. This collective spirit is beautifully captured in Loqui’s design, featuring the words of our citizens engraved on its surface. Now that Loqui is ready to be unveiled, I am confident that it will provide a space for reflection and curiosity, both by day and by night, and stand as a powerful symbol of what we can achieve together as we continue to shape Nashville’s future.”
The sculpture is located at the corner of Walsh Road and Smith Ave outside the Expo halls where the flea market takes place.
For more information on the application for incentives, visit Application for Incentives and for details on boards and commissions, visit Boards and Commissions.
Source: Read Original Release