In the South Air Conditioning is Art

Air conditioning artist named

Earlier this year, in the cold of winter, the Air Conditioning Tribute Committee announced a call for entries for artists to pay tribute to the most important of summer-time inventions — the air conditioner.

The response was positive, and the committee had a tough choice ahead, narrowing the submissions to just one winner.

But the committee members labored (in the cool air of the meeting room) and decided the entry that best captured the appreciation of air conditioning was the one submitted by Augusta, Ga., artist Thomas Lyles. The committee will meet with Lyles this month to complete the details.

Lyles, a native of Gadsden, presented a blueprint of his concept. His work, when complete, will showcase the winning poetry entry along with multiple mosaic scenes against the backdrop of industrial ductwork.

The artwork will include sound, working air vents and a video screen. People will be able to hear, see and feel the message of his work.

The next phase of the Air Conditioning Tribute Project involves area schoolchildren and the public. Friday, the committee announced an essay/poetry contest. The submissions will be used in conjunction with the exhibit next summer, and the winning students will receive cash prizes for themselves and their classrooms.

The student categories are elementary, middle and high school. The student must attend school in Etowah County. Entries should be no more than 400 words and capture the South’s thankfulness for the invention of the air conditioner.

In the adult category, entries by anyone with an Etowah County connection will be accepted.

The deadline for submissions is Nov. 23.

Categories and prizes:

• Elementary school — $100 for the winning student, $100 for classroom

• Middle school — $200 for the winning student, $200 for classroom

• High school — $200 for the winning student, $200 for classroom

• Adult (18 and older) — $500 for the winning adult

Complete details for the contest are available at the Hardin Center in downtown Gadsden and online at www.culturalarts.org.