Renderings of "Wheels," left, by artist Susan K. Johnson and "Steel Umbrella," right, by artists Justin O’Rourke & Margaret Jacobs. (Courtesy Lebanon Recreation and Parks Department)
Renderings of "Wheels," left, by artist Susan K. Johnson and "Steel Umbrella," right, by artists Justin O’Rourke & Margaret Jacobs. (Courtesy Lebanon Recreation and Parks Department) Credit: Courtesy

Lebanon — Two artist teams will install sculptural artworks along the Lebanon Rail Trail this summer after winning a commission contest.

The Lebanon Recreation and Parks Department, AVA Gallery and Art Center and Mascoma River Greenway Coalition developed the contest.

Steel Umbrella, by artists Justin O’Rourke and Margaret Jacobs, and Wheels, by Susan K. Johnson, were selected by a five-person jury at AVA on Saturday.

The winning teams will receive $2,500, plus up to $2,000 in reimbursements for materials and installation, which should be completed in time for a grand opening of the Mascoma River Greenway in late July.

The nine teams who submitted designs were asked to “select themes related to Lebanon’s history, geography, natural environment, recreational activities, or railroad activities, and to incorporate salvaged railroad spikes,” according to a news release from the city.

In written comments, the jury called Steel Umbrella “absolutely joyful” and a nod to the city’s historical connection with fountains, with yellow polka dots referencing endangered spotted turtles along the trail. Wheels, they said, “encapsulates Lebanon’s history in a neat bundle — from water wheels to railroads and bicycles, with subtle references to the Mascoma River and the Greenway Rail Trail.”

Lebanon is in the midst of a concerted push to promote itself as an arts destination, as the City Council voted unanimously last month to form a nine-person Task Force on Arts and Culture.

Over the next six months, the group of local officials and arts organizations, including AVA will set the city’s art goals.