New Sculptures Now on Display at Avera McKennan
in Sioux Falls' First Indoor SculptureWalk

SIOUX FALLS (June 1, 2009) - SculptureWalk Avera McKennan, Sioux Falls' first indoor SculptureWalk, has 16 new sculptures on display in interior spaces throughout the campus of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.

"SculptureWalk Avera McKennan is a wonderful extension of SculptureWalk in downtown Sioux Falls," said Jim Clark, director of SculptureWalk. "We invite visitors to view the magnificent sculptures at both locations. Avera McKennan's indoor setting allows us to display intricate or delicate pieces in addition to those shown outdoors downtown. All in all, it's a fabulous way to experience the visual arts - completely free of charge."

SculptureWalk Avera McKennan is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Brochures directing visitors through the walk are available in the front lobby of Avera McKennan or in racks located on most sculptures. Interested in the health of the whole person, Avera McKennan has designed the walk as a healthy journey. Those who follow the map provided in brochures will walk almost exactly 1 mile.

Sculptures, owned by the artists, are on loan to the exhibit for one year. Viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite sculpture through Sept. 30, and Avera McKennan will purchase the viewers' favorite and add it to the hospital's permanent art collection.

This opening marks the second year of SculptureWalk Avera McKennan. Last year's people's choice, "The Watering Hole," by Sondra Jonson of Cambridge, Neb., is now part of Avera McKennan's collection.

Avera McKennan has long been an advocate of the arts and cultural events, recognized with a 2008 Mayor's Award for the Arts.

"SculptureWalk continues a proud tradition at Avera McKennan of recognizing the role the arts play in healing, and in caring for the whole person - body, mind and spirit," said Fred Slunecka, regional president of Avera McKennan. "The healing quality of art, alongside the cutting-edge science of medicine, positively impacts many lives in a profound way."

Extensive art collections are part of recent building projects, such as the Avera Behavioral Health Center completed in 2006, and the Dougherty Hospice House, opened in December 2007. Commissioned and original pieces include paintings, photography, sculpture, stained glass and more, many by local and regional artists. The new Avera Cancer Institute, opening in fall 2010, will have its own art collection specifically designed to convey images of hope, faith, courage and dignity.

All featured sculptures, both downtown and at Avera McKennan, are for sale. If you are interested in purchasing one of the sculptures please contact SculptureWalk at (605) 339-8359.