Created by Gary Gresko, "Urban Trees" was among the sculptures in the first Art in Roanoke (AIR) temporary exhibition from October 2008 to April 2010. Gresko designed his sculpture to incorporate benches, which offer the opportunity for a brief conversation or a short rest.

About the artist:
Gary Gresko is a self-taught studio artist working mainly on public installations, wall sculpture, and art furniture. For the last 12 years, he has exclusively created fine art sculpture designed mostly for outdoor exhibitions and private commissions. He recently served as artist-in-residence to create a Hurricane Katrina Memorial for Belle Chase Academy in New Orleans.

About AIR:
Since 2002, the City of Roanoke has designated 1 % of funds for certain capital projects to purchase or display art in the city. The program is overseen by the 19-member Council-appointed Roanoke Arts Commission. Art for Everyone, the city’s first public art plan, was adopted by the City Council in 2006.

AIR is a project of the City of Roanoke’s Percent for Art Program, established to provide public art in city neighborhoods and public places to reflect the community’s vibrancy and heritage.

Sourced from:
Information was obtained from documents by the Arts Council of the Roanoke Valley.