Salisbury, N.C., (Monday, May 16, 2016) – The City of Salisbury Sculpture Show took one of six top honors this week at the Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG) Region of Excellence Awards, Thursday, May 11. The awards celebrate the work of its member governments that work collectively to achieve regional goals and contribute to significant and positive advancements in the community.

The annual Salisbury Sculpture Show received the Improving Quality of Life Award for its unrestricted opportunities for local citizens and visitors to enjoy sculptures in Salisbury’s historic downtown and on its four college campuses – Catawba College, Livingstone College, Hood Theological Seminary and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The show also provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the visual arts throughout a diverse community, reaching out to individuals and families that historically may not have participated in arts events.

Artists from across the U.S. enter the nine-month outdoor exhibition through an open call for entries in the fall. An independent selection panel chooses 14-20 pieces based on quality of form, materials and a variety of styles and themes. Each piece is placed to best complement the art and the surrounding architecture. Highly-visible sculpture locations maximize opportunities for all citizens to experience the art. The show has gained a following both locally and around the state.

According to the CCOG, “the Improving Quality of Life Award best leverages resources to improve the quality of life for citizens. The award recipient has implemented innovative program offering such as those that: enhance social equity; encourage community participation through public and private sector leadership; develop solutions that build on the community’s strengths and improve upon its weaknesses; or use cooperative volunteerism to maintain or expand services.”