PEORIA, IL- January, 12, 2016- Sculpture Walk Peoria sales continue. The third sculpture is now sold, and it is the first sale to private collectors. James and Barbara Burtis have purchased “Poise”, created by sculptor, Luke Achterberg of Lexington, Kentucky. “Poise” is the first sculpture created by an out-of-state artist to sell from the 2015 Sculpture Walk. James and Barbara Burtis are the new and excited owners of “Poise”. Barbara is a retired speech pathologist with a passion for the arts. Her husband, James, retired from the airlines and a part time employee at OSF, supports his wife’s passion and appreciates the art.
When the Burtises observed all of the art on Sculpture Walk Peoria, Barbara said, “I didn’t think we would buy, but we love sculpture… and we were drawn to “Poise”. They budget for the arts and “Poise” will now have a new home on their property, visible daily from their kitchen window. Matt Matheny, a sculptor himself, has created and installed a granite base for “Poise”. The Burtises anxiously await the relocation of “Poise” to their property in May when Sculpture Walk 2015 ends.
“Poise” explores physical and aesthetic balance, creating a visual smoothness or sleekness. The form of the sculpture reflects the first letter of its title. Luke Achterberg uses his experience as a certified welder and custom automotive painter to create his large, flowing sculptures. The artist maintains his active studio in Lexington, Kentucky and has active gallery representation in Switzerland and New York.
“Sculpture Walk Peoria is a class act,” said Luke Achterberg. “It is well organized with attention to detail and very accommodating toward the artist. I would participate again. Sculpture Walk Peoria is unique in that all the sculptures are in relative close proximity. Some shows spread work all over town and pieces get lost.” Luke also said, “It’s rewarding for me as an artist to have a private collector gather in the work. I think it’s great that Poise will find a home in Central Illinois.”
Sculpture Walk Peoria, an initiative of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, is a year-long display of sculptures created by national and international artists. The artwork is exhibited outdoors in Peoria’s Warehouse District, on Washington Street between Liberty and Oak. New Sculptures are being selected for the 2016 Sculpture Walk Peoria.
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. promotes the arts as a vital component of central Illinois’ cultural and economic development. Founded in 1999, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to build awareness and strengthen the arts as an economic catalyst for the Peoria area.
Photo: Jeanette Kosier