Sculpture Fields at Montague Park last week announced the hiring of executive director Donyale Grove. “Donyale Grove brings to Sculpture Fields an enthusiasm and passion for the arts and a wealth of experience in the non-profit community,” said John Henry, founder.
Grove is a native of Tampa, Fla., and has lived in Chattanooga for six years. She is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and also a magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Florida with a B.A. in theatre and a minor in English.
Since moving to Chattanooga, Grove has been involved in the non-profit community and contributed in the areas of development, strategy and public relations and marketing with multiple organizations. She currently serves as the chair of the board for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County. “We are fortunate to have Mrs. Grove spearheading Sculpture Fields at Montague Park. Her experience with nonprofit organizations and a strong understanding of our vision are valuable assets as we continue to build the infrastructure of a key component to the regional arts scene,” said Tom Bartoo, board chair.
Located at Montague Park just off Main Street in the burgeoning South Side arts district, Sculpture Fields is in the early stages of development. “I feel honored to have been chosen as the first leader of Sculpture Fields. Chattanooga is heartily embracing the arts, and the time is right for a sculpture park with the scope and magnitude of Sculpture Fields.”
Grove says the 25-acre sculpture park currently is the location of over a dozen sculptures from all over the world and is expecting four new German sculptures this month. “River City Queen” by Doug Schatz, a New York-based sculptor, was raised in August, becoming the first work made specifically for the park. The cornerstone piece rises 40 feet tall.
According to Grove, the first phase of Sculpture Fields is slated to be complete by late fall 2012, after which the park will be open to the public. “Sculpture Fields promises to be a hub of activity, a place with energy and activity, whether it be outdoor concerts, theatrical performances or simply citizens strolling about enjoying the gift that the Montague family originally intended the park to be.”
Donated to the city by the Montague family, the land has had a storied past. From pristine parcel to deteriorating dump to recreational softball fields, the land was eventually brought to its current state and a vision for a sculpture park for the enjoyment of the whole community was formed. An appreciation and value for sculpture parks nationally has been on the rise, and, according to Grove, “The economic impact of a sculpture park, especially one of the caliber of Sculpture Fields, will undoubtedly be felt by all.”