A new outdoor sculpture called “Man with the Moon” is on display at Mainframe Studios in downtown Des Moines.

The sculpture is a collaboration between nationally recognized sculptor James Bearden and Jay Vigon, who is known for his designs for album covers. The work, sculpted of welded steel and donning colored bronze patinas, stands over 14 feet high on a concrete base.

The sculpture also launches a new rotating public art sculpture program.

“The idea behind this initiative is to provide a venue for local artists looking to create and exhibit new outdoor works of art that are then available for purchase,” Siobhan Spain, Mainframe Studios’ executive director, said in a prepared statement. Income from the sale of sculptures will go to the artists, with a portion reserved to support fabrication of future works.

Bearden and Vigon both have studios at Mainframe, located at 900 Keosauqua Way.

“When I saw Jay’s ‘Man with the Moon’ drawing, I immediately wanted to create it in steel,”  Bearden said in a release.

Added Vigon: “We both like finding new ways to create and share an appreciation for mid-century modern aesthetics.” Vigon, with wife Margo Nahas, has created artwork for over 80 album covers including Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” and Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

Using a maquette, the two artists worked together to refine design elements and execution methods. The finished work was installed in January.

There currently is not a formal application process for Mainframe Studios’ new rotating sculpture program. Those interested can send proposals to info@mainframestudios.org. Photo special to the Business Record