“Sentinel II,” a 9-foot stainless steel sculpture has been installed in the newly completed plaza at the corner or E. Fisher St. and S. Lee St. The sculpture was designed and fabricated by local artist, Michael Baker.
Michael and wife, Connie, relocated to Salisbury from Athens, Ga., in 2006 after their purchase and renovation of the former Bambi/ Flowers Bakery.
The Bakers and their neighbors, artists Syed Ahmad and Whitney Peckman, operate East Square Artworks Gallery in the bakery’s ground floor at 122 East Innes St.
Michael is nationally known for his stainless steel sculptures and wall hangings, with many commercial, residential and institutional installations.
A recent installation at Methodist College in Fayetteville was featured by the Post in September.
“Sentinel II” is on a six-month loan agreement between the artist and the Salisbury Public Art Committee.
The location in the corner plaza was earmarked for public art in the original design of the space. The installation of the Baker piece provides an opportunity to gage public response to the idea of temporary sculpture.
The concept of temporary sculpture installation is one that the Public Art Committee plans to expand into a broader, annual event.