Oklahoma City sculptor makes 'Slam Dunk' with art piece

He said the sculpture on its temporary platform at the Festival of the Arts is about 14-feet-tall and made of steel.

The sculpture's orange-red colored ball is made of fiberglass, Stewart said.

“I tried to give it heroic proportions,” he said.

On a recent sunny day at the festival, several visitors took pictures of each standing next to the sculpture. Children, in particular, seemed drawn to the work of art.

Watching as the sculpture captured the attention of festivalgoers, Stewart said he enjoyed every minute of work on the art piece.

He said he never names his sculptures until he finishes them. “Slam Dunk” was a natural moniker for the steel art piece, he said.

Angela Cozby, Festival of the Arts director, said festival leaders were pleased to include the “Slam Dunk” sculpture in an area that represents an expansion of the festival's Sculpture Park.

Sculpture Park is an area on the east lawn of Stage Center and Cozby said this year, it has been expanded to include the Myriad Garden Park where Stewart's sculpture holds sway.

“This year we are working with the Myriad Garden Foundation and we felt that that area has a staggering effect when you see the ‘Slam Dunk' sculpture,” Cozby said.

“It has an overwhelming presence.”

She noted the sculpture's proximity to the Chesapeake Energy Arena, where the Thunder's home games are held.

“We thought it was pretty fitting to have it right there.”

Meanwhile, Mavs fans in town for Sunday's playoff game against the Thunder may get a good look at “Slam Dunk” but Stewart said he's “pulling for Oklahoma City” as the art piece's permanent resting spot.