Four new sculptures are on exhibit at Expree Credit Union through JSP's Art In Public Places program

Phoenix by Adam Garey



Phoenix boldly greets you as you approach Expree’s doors. Adam Garey explains, “Four I-beams are the central elements. These were discarded parts, no longer straight or structural and pitted from years in the elements. I combined the old with newly fabricated forms to demonstrate growth and rebirth. On the side of each beam, Phoenix USA is stamped from its manufacturer. Just as a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes, so have these pieces of industrial history.”

Lexington, KY native Garey shares more about his background that shaped his approach to creating public art. “From a young age, a strong work ethic was instilled in me. Not from chastisement or reward, but from a compelling example of knowing what should be done and doing it, whatever the cost. . . My drive is not to write but to communicate visually in three dimensions. However, during my search for words, one appeared over and over: WORK. This small four-letter word expresses a great deal about my sculpture and my process.”

Look for another Garey sculpture, Deflection, on exhibit at the corner of Wapping St. and St.Clair. Learn more about Garey’s work on his website.



Drosera Maximosa by John W. Parker

Parker is a native of Grand Rapids, MI and currently lives in Glenside, PA. As a returning artist to Frankfort, his other artworks have graced the steps of Franklin county courthouse and the banks of the Kentucky River along Riverview Park trail. His work reflects aspects of the natural world that often go overlooked. He says, “This sculpture’s forms are taken from insect life: segmented, hard shelled bodies, robotic and armor coated, yet able to instantly take flight. The large scale of these otherwise small creatures comes from reality and fantasy of the prehistoric world. Steel plate is my material of choice; man made and industrial in its purchased form. I enjoy the challenge of making something animated and weightless with steel. Strong and durable, my sculptures withstand the test of time.”

Parker’s approach to public art is multi-dimensional as well. He elaborates, “Outdoor sculptures have to function in a comprehensive way as a drive-by experience, as strong and dynamic silhouettes. With further exploration for the passer-by or neighborhood resident, a deeper appreciation and enjoyment can be explored walking around, under and through the piece. Art is not an instant snapshot. It is meant to be lived with and experienced. The importance of outdoor sculpture is that one does not have to go to a museum to experience it.”

Full Circle by Andrew Arvanetes

You may recognize Arvanetes’ style from his Seeking Shelter sculpture, which was downtown in front of Stites & Harbison on West Main. He works with painted aluminum and states this about his artwork’s connection to place: “The title of this sculpture, Full Circle, refers to my recent return to my hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin, after living elsewhere for many years. The sculpture was the first piece I fabricated in that location.”

Arvanetes shares more about his process and intent, “My sculptures have always been object-oriented and narrative in nature. The interpretation of my work may not be exactly the same as the intended narrative. More importantly, the viewer should be able to feel a connection based on their own personal experiences. I attempt to achieve this connection with my audience by utilizing universal visual details. The mechanical and architectural details utilized in my work have evolved into a personal language. These details and symbols combine with the overall form to create the visual aesthetic. Because of my formal approach to fabrication, rational functionality might be expected. On the contrary, the combination of physical scale, personal references and visual details often results in a whimsical and absurd reality.”

Learn more and connect with Arvanetes through his Facebook and Instagram.

Dissident by Ben Pierce

Ben Pierce is a veteran and Missouri native. Dissident is part of a body of work that uses only 2 lines and 1 circle. He states that “the center oculus becomes a portal through which to view the world.” 

Pierce explains more about his idea of using a self-imposed limit. “I create using a minimalist approach. I enjoy the challenge of using less - this forces me to focus on form and craftsmanship. I also enjoy leaving space for the viewer to think about or guess what the sculpture means to them. Another important factor in creating art is the constructive (rather than destructive) element. This has become an outlet for me to focus on diving into myself and who I am. Something I think others could benefit from.”

He states, “I have lived with depression for many years. A lot of mental illness is suffered in silence. I am choosing to use my art as a way to help others speak up. Maybe someone will hear about this or read this and feel HOPE. You are not alone!”



Like many artists, Pierce feels compelled to reach out to others who may be struggling. He hopes that this “can open a conversation for someone to encourage you to seek help or confide in someone.”

We hope this sparks your curiosity to explore the sculptures on the grounds at Expree and beyond. Thirteen more sculptures have recently been installed in the Arts Downtown exhibition. Together, Josephine Sculpture Park’s park and Art in Public Places exhibition welcome over 130,000 annual visitors to explore more than 100 public artworks along 4.5 miles of trails across Frankfort/Franklin County.

Expree Credit Union is a major supporter of Josephine Sculpture Park and the Art in Public Places Program. To learn more about any artwork on exhibit by JSP, please visit our website, josephinesculpturepark.org, to schedule a tour or come out and explore on your own.

Published December 20, 2023