Now in its 40th year at Appalachian State University, the Martin and Doris Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition celebrates An Appalachian Summer Festival tradition! The Rosen Sculpture Walk will kick off at 10am on the Broyhill Lawn (rain backup is Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts). After a brief welcome, juror Sam Spiczka will lead guests on a guided tour of the 10 sculptures installed along Rivers Street. The group will then return to the Schaefer Center for the announcement of this year’s award winners, a complimentary lunch, and time to chat with friends about your favorite pieces.
Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the walking and standing portion lasts approximately 45–60 minutes. Water stations will be available along the route.
If weather prevents an outdoor tour, the sculpture walk will be presented indoors at the Schaefer Center through a slide presentation.
The Exhibition will be available for viewing along Rivers Street through May 2026.
The Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition is made possible by generous support from The Martin and Doris Rosen Giving Fund — courtesy of Debbie Rosen Davidson and David Rosen — and The Charles and Nancy Rosenblatt Foundation
ACCEPTED SCULPTORS FOR 2026
TBA
About the juror – Sam Spiczka
Inspired by natural bone forms, rural technology, and geometric structure, Sam Spiczka has produced a distinctive body of work that is both modern and intensely primal, public, yet deeply personal. Born and raised in rural Minnesota, Spiczka became captivated by metal at an early age working in his family’s welding shop. Though he briefly studied art and philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, Minnesota, his true education has come from nature, the example of past sculptors, and the craftsmanship taught to him by his father. Spiczka’s award-winning sculptures have been exhibited internationally – including at the Seolbong International Sculpture Park in Icheon, South Korea, the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and the Franconia Sculpture Park in Taylors Fall, Minnesota.
A special thanks to the Rosen family
Martin & Doris Rosen
Vision, generosity, and a pursuit of excellence are some of the many qualities that characterized the lives of Martin and Doris Rosen. From their years devoted to building a successful business, to their lives after retirement, revolving around family, philanthropy, and a commitment to the arts, this exceptional couple left an indelible mark on the communities in which they lived and worked.
Thanks to the continuing generosity of the Rosen Family, Martin and Doris’s legacy of support for quality visual arts programming has been continued by their children, and enables this beloved exhibition program to continue to develop and flourish. In July 1997, the Rosens donated Hephaestus, a large commissioned sculpture by Bruce White, to Appalachian State’s Permanent Collection, and it adorns the Rivers Street frontage area of the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts to this day.
On the occasion of the Rosens’ 50th wedding anniversary in October 1999, their children established the Martin and Doris Rosen Scholarship to assist rising junior or senior art majors at Appalachian State. Tireless supporters of the arts, the Rosen Family has given so much of themselves over the years to ensure that the arts remain a strong foundation of campus and community life in the High Country. We wish to extend to them our deepest appreciation.
Parking
Parking can be challenging, particularly for sold-out events. Please allow extra time to park and arrive at the theatre before showtime. See map for parking recommendations.
Accommodations
App State is committed to providing an inclusive experience for individuals with disabilities. If accommodations are needed in order to fully participate on the basis of a disability, contact the Office of Disability Resources (828-262-3056). It is recommended that accommodation requests be made two weeks prior to the event.
