Troy, Ohio – The downtown roundabout at McKraig Avenue and Dorset Road will receive a new centerpiece this fall: sculptor Bob Doster’s bronze work titled “Summer Wind.” The piece, first displayed during Troy Main Street’s 2023 Sculptors on the Square exhibit, is being moved to a permanent location as part of the city’s growing public‑art collection.
Art meets safety
City officials say the sculpture will serve a dual purpose. In addition to enriching the visual landscape, the installation will be surrounded by tall vertical landscaping. Studies by the U.S. Department of Transportation and other research groups have shown that such landscaping can reduce vehicle speeds at roundabouts, improving safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.
About the artist
Bob Doster is a nationally recognized sculptor whose work appears in museums, galleries and publications worldwide. He has earned numerous honors, including South Carolina’s highest artistic accolade, the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award. Doster’s flowing, wind‑inspired forms are intended to evoke movement and serenity, qualities that fit the roundabout’s traffic‑calming mission.
Installation timeline
The city plans to install “Summer Wind” next week. Workers will first secure the vertical plantings, then position the bronze sculpture on a custom pedestal designed to complement the surrounding streetscape. The project is being funded through a combination of municipal art‑grant dollars and private donations from local supporters of Troy’s cultural initiatives.
Community response
Residents have expressed enthusiasm for the new addition. “It’s wonderful to see Troy investing in both safety and beauty,” said longtime downtown business owner Karen Miller. “The sculpture will give drivers a visual cue to slow down, and it adds a touch of pride for our community.”
Growing public‑art program
“Summer Wind” joins several other pieces that have been installed in recent years, including a historic mural on Main Street and a series of bronze benches near the riverfront. The city’s public‑art committee continues to seek works that reflect Troy’s heritage while promoting a vibrant, family‑friendly environment.
Mayor John Smith praised the project, noting that the combination of art and traffic‑calming measures aligns with Troy’s broader vision of a safe, attractive downtown that supports local businesses and families.
When the sculpture is in place, the roundabout will not only guide traffic but also provide a gathering point for community events, photo opportunities and casual conversation among neighbors. The city encourages residents to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #TroyArt.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
