The Visual Design Committee for The Yards at Columbia SportsPlex would like to invite everyone to attend the unveiling of “It’s Columbia!”, the sculpture by Columbia’s own nationally recognized artist Ben Watts. The bronze sculpture will greet all guests at the entrance of the complex and will honor the historic opening of a united field of play in Columbia. The wording that will be displayed along with the piece of art better describes its significance and what it represents the historical and cultural importance of the unification of separate sports leagues.
Behind “IT’S COLUMBIA!” Sculpted by Ben Watts
The inspiration for this sculpture comes from Columbia’s progress toward racial equality and unity as signified by the opening of this sports facility. It represents the merger of the two local historically segregated recreational leagues, coming together in racial harmony, into one, unified league with opportunities for all area youth. Participating in sports has a unifying effect across race, gender and economic status. The artist’s intent was to communicate the unity, generosity and hospitality of the citizens of Columbia, and to prompt those visiting and utilizing the park in the future to continue to practice these virtues. The figures in the sculpture are walking toward and greeting those visiting the park with smiles, waves of joy and friendship to convey the message that our community may feel small, but it THINKS BIG. It’s a community where ideas and dreams can grow and become reality.
It’s Columbia!
Ben Watts is a well-known Mississippi sculptor with works across the Southeast. His life-sized and larger-than-life-sized bronze sculptures include works of art featuring prominent people who have helped restore unity and a sense of place in our great state. He has also immortalized country music icons that are notably displayed at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Also, this is our first unveiling of art installations that will be featured at The Yards at Columbia. Coming soon we will celebrate our community’s rich history in sports, by unveiling our Hometown Hero Walls. These art installations will honor some our own local athletes who started their sports journey on fields of play that led to the creation of The Yards.
The unveiling will be this Thursday, Aug. 31 at 5:45 PM at the entrance of The Yards at Columbia SportsPlex on R.A. Johnson Road in Columbia, Mississippi.
