Vulcans on Parade, Unveiled
If you drive by Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham, you might notice two eight foot replicas of Vulcan, the city’s famous Roman god of fire and forge. They’re a part of a new civic art project called “Vulcans on Parade.” WBHM’s Gina Yu was at the unveiling yesterday morning.
People gathered in the stark sunshine of Railroad Park early Wednesday morning. They congregated in front of two figures draped in white fabric. It’s the unveiling of the Vulcans on Parade project.
A Local Parade
Vulcans on Parade is a collaboration between Project Corporate Leadership and the Vulcan Park and Museum. The mini Vulcans will be painted by local artists and placed all over the city. The first statue, painted by Carrie McGrann, will stay at Railroad Park, and the second statue, painted by Paul Cordes Wilm, will be placed at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Morgan Berney, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, for Vulcan Park and Museum is proud of the project.
“Vulcans on Parade is a symbolic tribute to our city and the growth of what is happening here in Birmingham,” she said. “Vulcan has stood over Birmingham for 111 years and is that unifying symbol of our city.”
A Celebration for Progress
This concept of placing painted replicas around a city was first brought to the U.S. by Chicago in 1999, when painted cows on parade filled the streets. Since then, cities like Washington D.C. have pandas, San Francisco has hearts, and now Birmingham, Vulcans. Earl F. Hilliard, Jr., Chair of the Vulcan Board of Directors, believes that projects like these will only further Birmingham’s progress.
“By putting them on parade, it’s a way of not only building morale but showing that the city of Birmingham, we’re growing. We’re, as they said, forging ahead,” he said. “Using local artists, representing the movement that the city’s doing by the growth of all the different things we’re trying to do from construction and other things.”
The group’s goal is to place at least 20 Vulcan statues around Birmingham over the next year.
Why is caregiving so hard in America? The answers emerge in a new film
A new documentary on PBS shows what it's like to care for adult family members and recounts the history of caregiving policy in the U.S., revealing why those caring for family are often on their own.
European officials hold talks with Iran in Geneva, seeking a diplomatic solution
It marks the most significant known diplomatic talks between Tehran and Western governments since Israel launched a surprise offensive against Iran one week ago.
Ancient Roman masterpieces emerge from a London demolition pit
Thousands of newly discovered fragments, which once adorned a high-status Roman building, offer an unprecedented glimpse into the artistic sophistication and daily life of ancient Londinium.
The story behind the arrest of 87-year-old veteran John Spitzberg at the Capitol
The video of John Spitzberg's arrest has been shared widely across social platforms, becoming a crystalizing moment for those protesting the Trump administration.
This is not the ‘Star Wars’ you thought you knew
The Star Wars available to the public to stream is not the same film that was shown in 1977. But in the U.K., audiences had a rare chance to see it.
Which organization snubbed Trump this week? Find out in the quiz
This week's installment features weird dolls, presidential decrees and even a sports question! Best of luck.