Now in its 40th year at Appalachian State University, the Martin and Doris Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition celebrates An Appalachian Summer Festival tradition! The Rosen Sculpture Walk will kick off at 10:00am at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. After a brief welcome, juror Sam Spiczka will lead guests on a guided tour of the 10 sculptures installed along Rivers Street. The group will then return to the Schaefer Center for the announcement of this year’s award winners, a complimentary lunch, and time to chat with friends about your favorite pieces.
Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the walking and standing portion lasts approximately 45–60 minutes. Water stations will be available along the route.
If weather prevents an outdoor tour, the sculpture walk will be presented indoors through a slide presentation.
The Exhibtion will be available for viewing along Rivers Street May 2025-May 2026.
About the Juror: Sam Spiczka
Inspired by natural bone forms, rural technology, and geometric structure, Sam Spiczka has produced a distinctive body of work that is both modern and intensely primal, public, yet deeply personal. Born and raised in rural Minnesota, Spiczka became captivated by metal at an early age working in his family’s welding shop. Though he briefly studied art and philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, Minnesota, his true education has come from nature, the example of past sculptors, and the craftsmanship taught to him by his father. Spiczka’s award-winning sculptures have been exhibited internationally – including at the Seolbong International Sculpture Park in Icheon, South Korea, the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and the Franconia Sculpture Park in Taylors Fall, Minnesota.
The Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition is made possible by generous support from The Martin and Doris Rosen Giving Fund — courtesy of Debbie Rosen Davidson and David Rosen — and The Charles and Nancy Rosenblatt Foundation
