A group of Vicksburg residents is working to bring a unique sound sculpture to Washington Street Park, and community members are invited to help choose the winning design. The installation project is pending grant approval and aims to create a new downtown landmark that celebrates the city's rich historical and cultural heritage.
Two distinctive site-specific sculptures have been proposed, each designed to honor different aspects of Vicksburg's significant past. The first option, called "Blues Note," features a treble clef sculpture equipped with a built-in bell chime system. This design pays tribute to Vicksburg's important role in the Delta blues musical tradition, with sound elements specifically engineered to resonate with low, sweet tones that reflect the soulful essence of blues music.
The second proposal, titled "In the Key of Freedom," presents a large key structure that holds a windchime mechanism. This sculpture symbolizes President Abraham Lincoln's historic description of Vicksburg as "the Key to the South" during the Civil War era. The piece serves as a dual tribute, honoring both the city's pivotal Civil War history and its lasting significance in American music culture. The design incorporates twelve distinct tones, deliberately echoing the blues genre's characteristic 12-bar musical structure.
Both sculpture designs have been carefully planned to be durable, require minimal maintenance, and provide interactive experiences for park visitors. The installations will offer more than just visual appeal, incorporating sound elements and storytelling components that will enhance the park's atmosphere. The artist has also announced that both designs will be available in an attractive powder blue color scheme.
Community members are strongly encouraged to participate in the voting process to select their preferred design. The chosen sculpture will significantly influence the artistic and cultural character of Washington Street Park for many years to come. Public voting began at 2:30 p.m. on August 18 through the Vicksburg Daily News Facebook page and will remain open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20.
