As part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, the Ohio Creativity Trail highlights our state’s unique historical narrative and its influence on the country through imaginative storytelling and themed routes.
We are proud that “Watch House and Circle Mound,” created by artist and Ohio resident Todd Slaughter, is part of this experiential driving trail of 109 sites across Ohio showcasing past and present writers, musicians, artists and other creative influences who have made significant contributions to artistic expression.
If you’ve never visited “Watch House,” it is a must-see and unique installation in Dublin’s Art in Public Places program. Located in Coffman Park near Post Road, the artwork references a planetarium and a house set in an Indigenous mound. It is said to celebrate the history of Dublin and symbolize its future – a perfect homage to the 250th celebration.
Since its establishment in 1988, the Art in Public Places program has made history of its own. A partnership between the City of Dublin and the Dublin Arts Council, the program’s mission is to enrich public spaces and foster a community connection through art. Featuring more than 60 permanent, temporary and interactive works created by national and international artists, the program has earned recognition as a model for public art.
The initial installation, “Leatherlips,” erected in 1990, is a limestone sculpture located in Scioto Park that pays homage to the renowned Wyandot leader, who was one of Dublin’s first inhabitants. The latest addition will debut this spring when artist Ivan Depeña’s “S/WING” is dedicated. The sculpture “draws inspiration from biomechanics that include avian flight, and the graceful arc of a golf swing, inspired by Jack Nicklaus (and other golfers), with the fluid motion of a bird’s wings during flight,” according to a description provided by the Dublin Arts Council.
“S/WING” is being installed in the open space between Whittingham and Muirfield drives, adjacent to the 13th hole gate of Muirfield Village Golf Club. The artwork will be unveiled in May prior to the start of the 50th Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.
A guide to the various works of art located throughout the City of Dublin may be found here.
More to Discover
For those looking to learn more about the history of America’s significant birthday this year, the Columbus Metropolitan Library Dublin branch is planning special events to highlight the occasion. An American 250 booklist may be found here. For those looking for Ohio and Dublin specific information, the library offers a treasure trove of images, documents, maps and artifacts on their site.
Performing arts will also highlight the cultural landscape this season with the presentation of the play “1776,” presented by the Abbey Theater of Dublin at the Coffman Park Amphitheatre with six performances May 29-31 and June 5-7.
And, as always, the Dublin History Museum, 35 S. High St., operated by the Dublin Historical Society, provides a year-round showcase of the City’s heritage. For more information, visit Museum – Dublin Historical Society.
