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Flowing River Sculpture: Bringing Art to Life at Evansville Museum

Evansville Sheet Metal constructed Flowing River, a 1976 abstract sculpture by John McNaughton that symbolizes a bending river. Located in the grassy sculpture garden of the Evansville Museum of Arts and Science, it serves as a striking tribute to nature’s flowing movement.

John McNaughton's Flowing River sculpture on green grass

In 1976, renowned artist John McNaughton envisioned a piece that would capture the essence of a river's graceful movement in metal. The result was Flowing River, a striking abstract sculpture located in the Evansville Museum of Arts and Science's sculpture garden, along the Ohio River. This tall, curvilinear form stands at approximately 10 feet by 11 feet, its flowing shape suggesting the winding bends of a river.

Constructed by the skilled team at Evansville Sheet Metal Works (ESMW), the hollow steel sculpture was painted brown to enhance its natural, organic feel, perfectly complementing its surroundings. Set directly on the ground, Flowing River is a testament to both McNaughto's vision and ESMW's craftsmanship in turning artistic concepts into lasting structures.

Commissioned by the Evansville Bicentennial Council and funded by several esteemed arts organizations, this project highlights ESMW’s role in bringing large-scale public art to life.

If you have a creative vision or a fabrication project in mind, let ESMW help bring it to reality. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your next custom metal project!

Welder in protective gear working on a metal hopper, creating bright sparks from the welding torch.

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ESMW metalworker welding a custom cone-shaped piece on a workbench, wearing a helmet and gloves.

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