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All the United States Kansas 'Blue Sky Sculpture'
AO Edited

'Blue Sky Sculpture'

This vivid painted ceramic sculpture evokes the expansiveness of the prairie sky.

Newton, Kansas

Added By
Ian Lefkowitz
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A closer view of the ceramic tiles of the “Blue Sky Scuplture.”   ianlefk / Atlas Obscura User
A closer view of the ceramic tiles of the “Blue Sky Scuplture.”   ianlefk / Atlas Obscura User
The Blue Sky Sculpture, in Newton’s Centennial Park.   Carol M. Highsmith
The ‘Blue Sky Sculpture’ interacts with the natural cloud patterns of the sky.   ianlefk / Atlas Obscura User
Newton’s “Blue Sky Sculpture”   ianlefk / Atlas Obscura User
  breaingram / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Kansas is known for its flatness, and sometimes it feels as though the sky can stretch across the whole horizon. In Newton, Kansas, a group of talented artists have created a majestic sculpture to harness and evoke this feeling of the expansive sky.

Completed in 2001, the Blue Sky Sculpture was created “to blend with the natural sky,” as a plaque at the viewing stand suggests, which “requires a patient and contemplative viewer.”

Painter Phil Epp worked with ceramicists Terry Corbett and Conrad Snider to create an arced and undulating structure, where the cobalt blue glaze of the ceramic tiles and fluffy white painted clouds reflect the color of the sky throughout the day. Viewers are encouraged to stand in between the sculptures, in what is known as the “sky passageway.” To complete the motif, two giant abstract stoneware figures stand next to the sculpture, further encouraging interactivity.

The sculpture was donated by local philanthropist and inventor Lloyd E. Smith in memory of his wife, Jacqueline, and has since become a symbol of the community, inspiring further designs and being named one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Art.

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Mosaics Art Sculptures Public Art

Know Before You Go

The "Blue Sky Sculpture" is located in Newton's Centennial Park. The park is always open and there is no admission fee.

Community Contributors

Added By

ianlefk

Edited By

breaingram

  • breaingram

Published

September 14, 2023

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Sources
  • https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/lloyd-smith-obituary?id=14217533
  • https://www.newtonkansas.com/Home/Components/News/News/413/566?npage=34&arch=1
  • https://kansassampler.org/8wondersofkansas-art/blue-sky-sculpture-newton-by-epp-corbett-snider
  • https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/lloyd-smith-obituary?id=14217533
  • https://www.newtonkansas.com/Home/Components/News/News/413/566?npage=34&arch=1
  • https://kansassampler.org/8wondersofkansas-art/blue-sky-sculpture-newton-by-epp-corbett-snider
'Blue Sky Sculpture'
Newton, Kansas
United States
38.062105, -97.337134
Visit Website

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Kansas

Kansas

United States

Places 126
Stories 12

Nearby Places

'El Sueño Original'

Wichita, Kansas

miles away

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miles away

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Wichita, Kansas

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Kansas

Kansas

United States

Places 126
Stories 12

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