What do planes, winged goddesses and benches have in common?  Each will be the focus of outdoor art displays in Ohio towns during 2007.

In Troy, the successful “Sculptures on the Square” program, which in years past has featured displays of life-size bronze figures, will place 25 miniature replicas of WACO airplanes throughout the downtown area.  Each fiberglass airplane will then be decorated by local artisans.  Troy was the home of the Weaver Aircraft Company of Ohio (WACO), a highly successful aircraft manufacturer between 1919 and 1946.

Not to be outdone, the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County presents the “Spectacle of Speed.”  The project will place six-foot high replicas of the Packard’s “Goddess of Speed” hood ornaments at historic sites around the county. Sponsors will fund local artists who will decorate the statues.  At the end of the exhibition, the goddesses will be auctioned to support local efforts, including the National Packard Museum.

And, back again in Southeast Ohio, the “City of Sculpture “ organization will introduce the “County Seat Project,” which will see artisan-decorate benches line the streets of downtown Hamilton. According to the program materials, schools and other community groups are being encouraged to participate.

Photo:"Goddess of Speed" hood ornament, Pro Photo/Creative Commons License