The Auburn Arts Commission is once again hosting "Sculptures on the Square" in downtown Auburn, Indiana.

These bronze-cast statues include 12 life-size statues and one monumental statue that is nearly 25 feet in height, depicting figures from art and everyday life in realistic detail.

The exhibit, placed around the courthouse square and at the Eckhart Public Library, is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no charge now through September 15, 2010.

J. Seward Johnson is an American sculptor whose uncannily realistic figures capture everyday human gestures. Johnson’s collection has been featured in private collections and museums throughout the world.

Among the familiar works on display are “God Bless America,” Johnson’s depiction of the farm couple in the “American Gothic” painting, and “Unconditional Surrender,” his interpretation of the famous Life Magazine photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse as war ended.

The monumental sculpture, “Turn of the Century,” depicts a dancing couple from a Renoir painting. Other statues show people in everyday activities, such as window washing, playing guitar or painting at an easel.

Walking tour maps are available at the Welcome Center, located at 138 E. Seventh St., on the north side of the courthouse square. Volunteers staff the welcome center, which will also have information, educational displays and student art projects.

The DeKalb County Horsemen’s Association will offer horse-drawn wagon rides on the walking tour route on some Sunday afternoons. Dates for the rides are 1-5 p.m. on June 20 and 27, July 11, August 18 and September 12, and 10am-1pm on Labor Day, September 6. Passengers may ride for a donation.

While you are in Auburn you can also enjoy the area museums featuring classic automobiles, trucks, aircraft, railroad memorabilia and American military history.

138 E. 7th Ave., Auburn, Indiana • (269) 927-1499

Photo credit: David Arment, http://davidarmentphoto.zenfolio.com/

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