Art Sculptures at Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park to be dedicated on June 20

(June 8, 2006) – Two contemporary new works of art have been added to Oklahoma City’s growing public art collection. “Beacon” and “Over the Top,” two sculptures by artist Bruce White, have been installed at the Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park, 1700 S Robinson. A dedication ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. on June 20.

“Beacon,” a 15-foot stainless steel triangular tower stands on the east side of the skate park, near the Oklahoma River. The monolith is illuminated at night and “suggest the grace of gravitational down hill movement,” according to artist Bruce White. The sculpture was installed on November 2005.

Arching over the pathway to the sports park is the second and most recently installed sculpture, “Over the Top.” This 12-foot tall, brilliant blue aluminum sculpture is a playful composite of angles, curves and loops reflecting the challenging elements of the park. The sculpture was installed in April 2006.

A five-member panel selected White from a field of artists from around the country. White, from DeKalb, Illinois, began work on the sculptures in September 2004.

“The idea of creating art for the Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park sounded like a lot of fun,” said White. I incorporated several flow-like movements resembling waves and bumps into the sculptures, reflecting the challenge of mastering balance and speed over irregular terrain,” he said.

The sculptures were funded through the Metropolitan Area Projects. Cost for the artworks totaled $94,000.
Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park is located at 1700 S Robinson. The 26,000-square-foot park opened to BMX riders, skateboarders and in-line skaters in 2005