SkyLume debuts as new landmark at John Hunt Park
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Following the debut of SkyLume, the City of Huntsville and Arts Huntsville are celebrating a new landmark at John Hunt Park that blends public art, community identity and civic investment.
Arts Huntsville, in partnership with the City of Huntsville, officially unveiled SkyLume on May 13 during the Huntsville City Football Club match at Joe Davis Stadium. The 60-foot illuminated sculpture now stands at the roundabout entrance to the stadium and festival grounds, serving as a striking gateway to one of Huntsville’s busiest recreation and event destinations.
Designed by Indianapolis-based artist Adam Buente of Project One Studio, SkyLume is the newest addition to Huntsville’s growing public art collection. The monumental work features painted steel and aluminum, kinetic elements and programmable lighting that transforms the sculpture from day to night.
By day, wind-responsive components create movement and reflection throughout the structure. At night, integrated lighting animates the sculpture with changing colors and patterns, creating a dynamic visual presence visible throughout John Hunt Park.
“The sculpture explores themes of gravitational pull, community connection and forward momentum,” Buente said. “The central ribbon symbolizes an unseen force that draws people in, while the encircling ribbon reflects the energy and movement of the community around it.”
The artwork also offers a subtle nod to Huntsville’s aerospace heritage through its scale, motion and illuminated design.
“John Hunt Park is where our kids compete, where our families gather and where Huntsville celebrates regional and national championship competitions,” said Tommy Battle. “Now, a new landmark stands in front of Joe Davis Stadium that serves as a beacon for everything that happens here.”
The project represents the largest public art commission managed by Arts Huntsville for the City to date and reflects Huntsville’s continued investment in placemaking and quality-of-life initiatives.
“The City’s investment in recreation facilities at John Hunt Park has made the area a go-to destination for local residents as well as regional and national sporting events,” said Allison Dillon-Jauken, executive director of Arts Huntsville. “SkyLume gives the park a defining landmark that infuses the area with a sense of place unique to Huntsville.”
The Huntsville Public Art Committee selected the project through a competitive invitational process that included nearly 100 international artist candidates. Five finalists were chosen to develop proposals before Buente and Project One Studio were selected for the commission in November 2024.
“What really resonated with me is how the shape of the artwork almost suggests an Olympic torch,” said James Gossett, Director of Parks and Recreation. “As twenty Olympic sports are practiced in and around John Hunt Park, this sculpture seemed like the perfect choice.”
Visitors can now experience SkyLume year-round at John Hunt Park, where it stands as both a public art destination and a new visual symbol for one of Huntsville’s premier community gathering spaces.