The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the unveiling of a new art installation at Lakeview Commons on Friday, August 29, at 11 a.m. The bronze and steel artwork, titled "Footsteps of the Past: Suspended in Time," represents a significant addition to South Lake Tahoe's cultural landscape and celebrates the region's rich historical heritage.
The sculpture was created by Terrie Bennett, a second-generation sculptor whose family previously owned Bennett Sculpture, which was located in Tahoe City before relocating to Placerville. Bennett brings decades of artistic expertise to this community project, drawing from her deep connections to the Lake Tahoe area and her extensive experience in creating meaningful public art installations.
The ambitious project consists of a series of four sculptures crafted from stainless steel mesh and enclosed within stainless steel mesh cubes. Each sculpture represents significant historical imagery of Lake Tahoe, including a Washoe woman weaving a basket, an old schooner sailboat, a vintage skier, and a bear. These powerful images capture different eras and aspects of the region's cultural and natural history, from indigenous traditions to recreational activities that have defined the area.
The sculptures are interconnected by life-size bronze footprints that create a narrative journey through the historical themes, allowing visitors to literally follow in the footsteps of the past. The transparent design of the sculptures enables them to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape while maintaining their visual impact, enhancing the overall visitor experience at the waterfront location.
In August 2021, the South Lake Tahoe City Council approved $100,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be used as funding for art programming that supports strategic cultural and arts investments benefiting both visitors and locals. The City Council has made it a priority to integrate art into public spaces and has pledged ongoing funding to create a more attractive, interesting, and beautiful city for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
The Arts, Culture, and Tourism Commission carefully reviewed all ten submissions for the art project, ultimately selecting Bennett for the $100,000 commission. This competitive selection process ensured that the chosen artwork would meet the community's vision for meaningful public art that reflects local history and values.
Throughout her impressive 42-year career, Bennett's works have been exhibited in numerous galleries across the Western United States, and she has undertaken significant commissioned artworks for prominent clients including The Space Foundation, Barack Obama, and the City of Rancho Cordova, among others. Her extensive portfolio demonstrates her ability to create impactful public art that resonates with diverse communities.
This piece is specifically intended to enrich the community, reflect South Lake Tahoe's unique history, enhance the beauty of the natural landscape, and provoke meaningful conversation and reflection among visitors and residents alike. The project aims to create a lasting impact by bringing a beautiful, timeless series of sculptures to the waterfront walk at Lakeview Commons, establishing a new cultural landmark that will serve the community for generations to come.
