EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — When passing through Eau Claire, you can’t miss the 80-plus sculptures throughout the city.
There are animals, musical instruments and even different shapes. Sculpture Tour Eau Claire started in 2010 by a Sioux Falls couple with only 12 sculptures.
Since then it’s grown each year.
In 2014, Julie Pangallo took over as the director. She said the tour brings in $600,000 worth of art from local and international artists each spring.
“The fact that it changes makes it fun for the local residents,” said Pangallo. “It’s not just a tourist thing.”
Pangallo said it’s strictly funded by donations, sponsorships and grants. This year, Visit Eau Claire took over operations for the Sculpture Tour with Pangallo as the director still.
“We have access to tourism grants and art grants,” said Pangallo. “Wisconsin is not known for its support of the art.”
Visit Eau Claire Director Benny Anderson said not only will this help with funding but to bring more tourism in.
“It allows our team to market, community awareness and sponsorship,” Anderson said.
While Pangallo doesn’t have an arts background, the Sculpture Tour has become something important to her.
“I already have what I want out of this,” said Pangallo. “With Visit Eau Claire involved, the program is sustainable. It will continue.”
Both Pangallo and Anderson are hopeful the tour will become the largest in the country, beating Sioux Falls in the future.
To learn more about the Sculpture Tour Eau Claire, click here.
