LITTLE ROCK - Clay Enoch was named as the recipient of a $80,000 commission on Sunday at the conclusion of the 2016 Sculpture at the River Market. 

Enoch's winning sculpture is entitled United. The new sculpture will be installed in 2017 on the grounds of Little Rock Central High School.  The site was chosen since next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the integration of that historic school. 

The sculpture depicts two figures working together to connect two different circles.  It will stand 10 feet, 2 inches, by five feet by 6 feet.  It will be made of silicon bronze and structural stainless steel and have a verdigris finish.  The sculpture will be placed on a concrete base with a brick veneer.

Sculptors who were juried in to participate in the 2016 Show and Sale were invited to submit proposals for the new commission. A committee reviewed the 28 submissions and narrowed them down to seven semi-finalists. The semi-finalist proposals were on display Friday, April 22, during the preview party. Guests at the party had the opportunity to review the proposals and then to vote. Following that, the three finalists were announced. In addition to Enoch, the other two finalists were Kathleen Caricof, and Denny Haskew. A panel of judges selected the winner from the three finalists. 

Upon hearing the announcement, Enoch remarked, "I am humbled.  This is a great opportunity to have my work located at this historic site."

United will join five other sculptures that have been recognized previously with the commissions through the Sculpture at the River Market's Public Art Monument Sculpture Competition. 

*       The 2011 winner was Chapel, whose work The Center was installed near the Junction Bridge. 

*       In 2012 the recipient was Bryan Massey's Nautilus. This was installed to the north of the Marriott Hotel near the new children's spray fountain. 

*       The 2013 winner was Ted Schaal for his piece Open Window which was placed near the La Petite Roche plaza and First Security Amphitheatre. 

*       Lorri Acott's Peace was the 2014 commission winner; it is sited at the southeast corner of Main and 2nd Streets.

*       Last year's winner, Michael Warrick's Mockingbird Tree was installed last week at the northwest corner of Chenal Parkway and Chenal Valley Drive.