This summer in downtown Hamilton , the term “County Seat” takes on a whole new meaning. Finally, the dream is reality.
Citizens and visitors to downtown Hamilton can stroll, pause, sit and admire 38 unique, artist-designed benches. These
benches are on both sides of High Street in the downtown business district and on both sides of Main Street in the first
two blocks of the Main Street business district. Eight of the benches are placed on both sides of the new High-Main
Street Bridge .
These beautiful benches are on display throughout the summer, beginning with presentation of awards to the winning artists
on Saturday, June 16 during the Main Street Festival of the Arches. A reception for all artists and County Seat sponsors
took place at the Welcome Center immediately following the award ceremony.
A team of City of Sculpture volunteers has matched generous community sponsors with creative artists to achieve their goal
of downtown streets fill with art for the summer. All benches are marked with the name of the artist and the name of the
bench sponsor. Some sponsors purchased their benches with their sponsorship. Others are allowing their sponsored benches
to be sold at auction after the exhibit this summer. The City of Sculpture plans to hold an online auction for the 13
available benches.
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City of Sculpture President and County Seat Co-Chair, Sue Samoviski, with husband Mike take a short break during installation
of "Enlightened Reflections" by Jani Moore.
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County Seat Co-Chair, Jamie Fuhrman and Fairfield student, Michaela Bridge are standing in front of the Welcome Center with
"Sunshine Beams" by Jillanne Conway.
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Ralph Reigelspurger and Tom Leibham are deep in thought after securing "Porcelain Park Bench" by Phil Moore at the
Butler County Courthouse.
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Fairfield students Deege Riddle (l) and James Turner (r) with Hamilton student Nick McKee (c) assist with installation
of "Jaguar Bench" by Jefferson Elementary Art Teacher, Abe Harris.
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The Abowitz Family, artists of "Bench Inspired by Gaudi" pose with their creation located on the High-Main Street Bridge.
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Our volunteers from Badin, Fairfield, Hamilton, and Queen of Peace schools with "Bumper Bench" by Dennis C. Baker,
the City of Sculpture artist-in-residence.
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Mary Slocum, is artist of "There's No Business Like Show Business", which is located in front of The Homestead
Restaurant on Main Street.
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Peter Chamberlain, artist, poses with his bench, "New Twist", which is located in front of the Butler County Courthouse.
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Edward Casagrande, artist of "Salute the Sun" poses with his creation located on the High-Main Street Bridge.
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"Perspectives" by Miami University graduate, Emily Howard, is located on the High-Main Street Bridge.
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"Rivers and Sunsets" was created by Mark Gilsdorf, shown with his bench that was created in memory of Fred and Pam Payne.
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"Ladies Beloved Tributary" by Carrie Pate with Jim Pate & Craig Schwartz is located in front of the Butler County Courthouse.
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"Extra! Extra! Read All About It" is the bench created by artists from the Journal News Art Department and sponsored
by the Journal News.
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"Bulldog Bench" was created by Hamilton High School artists in Ms. Schureings' 5th period art class.
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