Right outside the Starbucks on Southeast First Street, a metal rooster sits on a metal pole about 15 feet in the air, its mouth open as if crowing to people desperate for their morning coffee.
Nearby, on Southeast Second Place, a large metal stag rests against the wall outside Persona Vintage Clothing & Costumes, almost daring passersby to get a closer look.
The sculptures are among a handful of newcomers to the downtown scene, artworks on loan from local artists and patrons. They will be celebrated Tuesday night during a “sculpture walk,” a chance for Gainesville to get to know the new neighbors.
Interested persons should meet at the rooster sculpture at 5:30 p.m. for an event that will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a happy hour at Dragonfly Sushi & Sake restaurant.