Have you ever paused to consider the dedication etched in bronze? Right here at City Creek Center stands Parallel Arc. It is more than just a sculpture. It’s a tribute.
Parallel Arc honors the volunteers of the XIX Olympic Winter Games. Dedicated in February 2012, it captures the spirit of Salt Lake City’s moment on the world stage. But there’s so much more to Parallel Arc than meets the eye.
Mark DeGraffenried and Dan Cummings are the creative minds behind Parallel Arc. DeGraffenried, known for his passion for art from a young age, brings a deep understanding of the human form to the sculpture. Cummings is the owner of Spectrum Studios in Salt Lake City. He specializes in etched and carved glass and granite. Together, they’ve crafted a piece that speaks of motion and dedication.
The sculpture depicts a skier angled into a dramatic turn. He leans with the curved ski poles wrapping around his body. This pose captures the speed of a top-notch downhill competitor. The base of Parallel Arc adds to the feeling of motion. It consists of three parts stacked atop each other. The bottom layer is whitish marble. The middle layer is brushed steel. The top is a thin sheet of light blue translucent glass-like material.
Interestingly, the bottom two layers are not uniformly parallel. They are angled in different directions. This adds to the sense of speed. It accentuates the motion of the downhill skier. The plaque accompanying Parallel Arc reads simply “Parallel Arc” by Mark DeGraffenried & Dan Cummings. It is dedicated to the volunteers of the XIX Olympic Winter Games. It bears the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games logo.
DeGraffenried’s artistic journey began in Alaska. He won statewide acclaim for his sculpture “Regret.” His sculptures capture the integrity of the human spirit. He conveys life’s experiences and emotions. Cummings studied art at the University of Utah. He has completed numerous private and public commissions. His granite etching work can be seen at the LDS Conference Center.
Parallel Arc is clearly not your recreational skier. It’s a symbol of dedication and speed. The materials used are bronze, marble, steel, and glass. It’s a piece that invites reflection. It makes us think about the volunteers who made the 2002 Winter Olympics a success. As you stand here, take a moment. Consider the artistry. Appreciate the dedication. Remember the spirit of the games. Parallel Arc stands as a reminder of Salt Lake City’s Olympic legacy. It also is a testament to the power of art.