The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art is taking its public art initiatives into the digital age with the launch of a GPS-guided public sculpture tour available through the Otocast app.
Developed in partnership with Otocast, a New York-based company specializing in public art tour platforms, the app enables users to explore 22 sculpture installations throughout the city and county. The app is free to download on Apple and Android devices and will eventually include the ability to expand with more artworks and sponsored sites, offering local businesses opportunities for promotion.
Jason Hayden, OMFA executive director, said the launch marks a continuation of the museum’s decades-long commitment to enhancing Owensboro through public art.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Hayden said. “The museum has actually been at the forefront of the acquisition of most of the major pieces of public art in Owensboro for the last 40 years.”
Hayden said the museum played a key role in projects such as the 2005 Riverbend Sculpture Initiative, which brought in $350,000 worth of monumental public works, and the RIVERARTES Sculpture Biennial that began in 2014 and lasted through 2020.
Among the pieces on the current tour are The Bathers by Isaac Witkin, located at Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center; Falling Man by Ernest Trova behind the Holiday Inn; and Love Song by Denny Haskew on Second Street. Additional highlights include Little Mo’ by Peter Reginto, Into the Wind by T.D. Kelsey, Meadowlands Pair by Herb Mignery, and Strength of the Maker by Haskew, all of which are part of the museum’s Ryan Sculpture Park.
“The museum has helped bring over 22 sculptures into the city,” Hayden said. “Public art is sort of like the icing on the cake — it creates a focal point, excitement, and photo opportunities. It’s an important part of civic life and cultural development.”
Hayden added that public art is also a critical element of educational outreach and tourism.
“This is just another aspect of us reaching out into the community, and it touches every piece of the community,” he said. “People will come to Owensboro and use this app to explore. It also connects us to a larger community of public art across the country.”
Mark Calitri, president of Visit Owensboro, praised the initiative and its potential impact.
“This activation not only gives our local community more to experience — it also adds real value for visitors looking to enhance their trip,” Calitri said. “Big shoutout to Jason Hayden and the team at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art for making big strides, pushing forward, and putting in serious hustle. Their effort is making a real impact.”
Since its founding in 1977, Hayden said OMFA has led efforts resulting in more than $1 million in public sculptures displayed across Owensboro. Many of the pieces were acquired through partnerships with organizations, including Owensboro Health, Daviess County Fiscal Court, the City of Owensboro, and the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation, as well as support from private donors and families.
A downtown riverfront kickoff event for the app will be announced in the coming weeks. Public art sponsorship opportunities are available through the museum by contacting [email protected] or 270-685-3181.
