NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — New artwork now sits at the Ohio Creek in Norfolk after a budgeted $135,000 project.

The dedication of the “Taming of the Surge” took place at Kimball Terrace Pump Station in Norfolk on Nov. 16.

Norfolk Arts and the Elizabeth River Project received $75,000 of that money from a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant. The funding was awarded to help create public art in the area, which is susceptible to flooding along the Ohio Creek.

Christine’s aluminum sculpture, “Taming of the Surge” will be installed in 2024. Counter-balanced aluminum tubing topped with forms that mimic common flora and fauna found along the Ohio Creek will encircle the sculpture. As the wind blows, subtle motions will be created that activate hidden chimes positioned at the base of the sculpture. Perforated aluminum appears throughout the interior to simulate the flowing of water. The sculpture will be crowned with figurative silhouettes and topped with a hand-cut, wind-driven, blue spinning finial. COURTESY: NORFOLK ARTS
COURTESY: NORFOLK ARTS
COURTESY: NORFOLK ARTS
COURTESY: NORFOLK ARTS
Ohio Creek NEA Grant project design by Christine Rojek. COURTESY: NORFOLK ARTS
Ohio Creek NEA Grant project design by Christine Rojek. COURTESY: NORFOLK ARTS
COURTESY: NORFOLK ARTS

The “What the Water Wants” project initiative is aimed to engage the community in environmental concerns and bring attention to the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels in urban communities.

Artist Christine Rojek was commissioned for the project.

“As the country and the arts sector begin to work towards a post-pandemic world, the National Endowment for the Arts is proud to announce this Our Town funding,” said NEA Acting Chairman Ann Eilers. “These awards will support cross-sector partnerships such as the one led by the city of Norfolk that demonstrate the power of the arts to help communities create a better future for themselves.”