This afternoon, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and local artist Jonas Gerard unveiled “Electric Mantra,” a painted steel sculpture which Gerard has gifted to the Asheville Visitor Center.
Gerard said that he wanted to make a gift of the sculpture because Asheville has been so good to him, “rolling out the red carpet.” The artist, whose studio is located in the River Arts District, has already donated a large painting to the Visitor Center.
“Electric Mantra” is a multi-colored steel sculpture of various shapes culled from Gerard’s collection of found objects. He says it’s painted in multiple coats “the way cars are” and “should last longer than any of us.” The sculpture is installed at the entrance to the Asheville Visitor Center.
