The Decatur Sculpture Tour enters its eighth year in 2019 with what looks to be one of the best shows yet.

Taking place along the St. Mary’s River in downtown Decatur on Friday, June 14, the Sculpture Tour features works from a variety of local artists as well as some from as far away as Missouri, Colorado, South Dakota, and even England.

The art-centric day begins with a Plein Air Paint Out session beginning at 8:30 a.m., with paintings going on sale at 4:30 pm. Children’s activities take place during the early afternoon along with a “Meet The Artists” session in Storybook Park, biding time until the food vendors open their windows to sell some delightful cuisine to the public at 4 p.m. The Beer Tent follows closely behind, opening at 5 p.m. to offer up enjoyable adult beverages.

Youth Dance activities and a children’s chalk walk also begin at 5 p.m., followed by the centerpiece of the day, the Unveiling Festival beginning at 6 p.m. Mayor Brooks Fetters will be on hand to make opening remarks and introduce artists and dignitaries at 6 p.m.

Attendees will then have a chance to be among the first to peruse Riverside Sculpture Park where they will find a footpath lined with purchased, donated, and leased sculptures. Many of the artists will be on hand at that time to share what inspired them and what materials were used and to take questions.

Decatur is the boyhood home of renowned sculpture artist David Smith who has been widely heralded as the greatest American sculptor of the 20th century.