St. George Art Scene Expands: Art Around the Corner Announces 2026 Outdoor Sculpture Launch

ST. GEORGE,Utah — The Art Around the Corner Foundation (AATC) will host its annual flagship event on March 28, celebrating the installation of a new world-class outdoor sculpture collection. This year’s exhibition features a significant expansion, with new installations debuting at both Town Square Park and the St. George City Building.

The community launch, scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon, offers residents and visitors a rare opportunity to engage directly with the creators behind the steel, bronze, and stone works that define the city’s downtown aesthetic.

A Tease of the 2026 Collection

The upcoming exhibit promises a diverse range of themes and materials. Attendees can expect to see Bobbie Carlyle’s whimsical “The Future’s So Bright…I Gotta Wear Shades,” a bronze capture of sunlit joy, alongside Mark Stevenson’s “Water Watcher,” a towering 92-inch stainless steel tribute to the essential waterways of Southern Utah. From the delicate, light-catching glass of Tyler Kimball’s “Celestial Gates” to the bold industrial lines of Richard Prazen’s latest metalwork, the 2026 collection transforms the city into a vibrant, walkable gallery.

Voices from the Collection

“Water Watcher comes from many inspirations, including the petroglyphs left by earlier inhabitants of Utah,” said artist Mark Stevenson. “The sculpture is intended as a reminder—especially in the deserts of Southern Utah—that maintaining waterways is essential.”

Renowned sculptor Bobbie Carlyle added, “My work is influenced by a lifetime of struggles and insights. I am thrilled to share these moments of reflection and joy with the St. George community.”

Event Highlights

  • Artist Meet-and-Greet: Nationally recognized artists will be on-site to discuss their creative processes.
  • Youth Scavenger Hunt: A new, family-friendly scavenger hunt has been integrated to encourage children to explore and interact with public art.
  • Expanded Footprint: For the first time, the show officially expands to include the St. George City Building grounds.
  • Community Celebration: The morning features live music, complimentary cookies, local vendors, and exclusive AATC swag.

“Our mission has always been to bring art to the people, and this year we are literally bringing it to more corners of our community,” said Heather, AATC board chair. “Adding the City Building and the scavenger hunt makes this launch a true celebration of St. George. We invite everyone to come out, meet the artists, and see how these pieces transform our public spaces.”

A Legacy of Public Art

Founded in 2004, the Art Around the Corner Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in St. George through the installation of high-caliber outdoor sculpture. For over 20 years, the foundation has curated a rotating gallery that provides artists a premier venue while offering the public free, 24/7 access to fine art. The program has been instrumental in the revitalization of the historic downtown district, turning the city center into a destination for art lovers across the Intermountain West.

For more information and a full map of the new installations, visit artaroundthecorner.org.

Story Starters & Key Facts for Media Use

  • Growth: The 2026 show marks a major geographic expansion for the foundation, increasing the number of accessible art sites in the downtown core.
  • Economic Impact: All sculptures are available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting AATC’s mission to keep public art thriving in Southern Utah.
  • Engagement: The new scavenger hunt is designed to foster “art literacy” in younger generations by turning the gallery into an interactive playground.