East China's Fuzhou city is gearing up for the 2003 China Fuzhou International Urban Sculpture Show as the invitation period for sculpture designs came to a close on Wednesday.
According to the organizing committee, of the 771 designs received thus far, 179 are the work of 62 foreign sculptors from 30 countries, while the other 592 are from 201 indigenous artists.
Under the theme of "Pioneering, Development and Taking-off", the exhibition's objectives consist of showcasing distinct cultures and customs from around the world, boosting communication and information exchange between sculptors worldwide and enhancing the image of Fuzhou.
On June 20-21, an expert panel headed by Cheng Yunxian, president of China's Sculpture Association, evaluated the solicited works and selected 54 excellent designs.
These designs, in addition to six others produced by famous Chinese sculptors at the committee's invitation, will be executed and put on permanent display in Fuzhou's Nanjiangbin Park, Cheng said.
Given the uncertainties involved in sculpting, no date has yet been set for the exhibition.
(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2003)