NEWS
Outdoor sculpture showcases athleticism at Norman, Oklahoma sports center through vivid colors, dynamic movement, and sinuous lines
Elevate the Game celebrates the athletes at The Young Family Athletic Center
Locals attend the unveiling of Elevate the Game in early 2024 and learn how the project was conceived and how it represents the values and vision of The Young Family Athletic Center as well as the community of Norman.
The community of Norman takes so much pride in our public art. DiBari’s “Elevate Your Game” is the perfect art for the location at the Young Family Athletic Center. It not only represents our facility with beautiful, towering, three-dimensional athletes who are constantly in motion and moving in Oklahoma winds, but it also embraces our community in so many ways through its thoughtful colors and representation of the variety of athletes who will enter this incredible facility.”
[Jason Olsen, Director of Park and Recreation at the City of Norman]
Elevate the Game, a 17’ height by 8’ width by 8’ depth sculpture made of steel rods and coated with powder was installed in 2024. Rooted in a deep appreciation for the diverse sports practiced within the center – basketball, swimming, and volleyball – the sculpture embodies the intrinsic qualities of kinetic energy and movement through intertwining lines and vibrant colors. The amalgamation of these sinuous lines seamlessly portrays the silhouettes of three athletes, frozen in the zenith of their athletic gestures. Imbued with the spirit of unity, these figures are adorned in vibrant hues of red, white, and blue – a symbolic homage to the resilient community of Norman.
As the artist and founder of DiBari & Associates, Italian artist Vito DiBari works with a team of talented artists and cultural experts who strive to create striking, site-specific artworks that evoke emotion and connection within public spaces, histories, and identities. Each piece is community-inspired, such as Elevate the Game. One one hand, each figures represents the three sports represented by the center. On the other hand, lies another layer of symbolism as it pays tribute to the Young family. In particular, Trae Young’s indelible mark on basketball. The NBA athlete, who attended Norman North High School, is captured mid-action, executing a three-pointer with the unmistakable pose that defines Trae Young’s contribution to the sport and the enduring legacy of The Young Family Athletic Center.
The Norman Arts Council and the City of Norman are extraordinarily proud of the work the DiBari & Associates have done to create the iconic work of public art that welcomes the community and visitors alike to the Young Family Athletic Center. DiBari & Associates are a true joy to work with – highly professional and creative!
[Erinn Gavaghan, Executive Director, Norman Arts Council.]
