Sculptor John Toras Donates Outdoor Art to Discovery Park of America

Union City, Tenn.—John Toras, a free-form sculptor from Marshall County, Ky., has donated an outdoor sculpture to Discovery Park of America that will be on display for the first time when the 50-acre heritage park in Union City, Tenn., opens to the public on June 1, 2020.

The whimsical art is constructed from stainless steel and is entitled “Master of the Universe.” It features a child holding a spaceship that spins in the wind.

Toras, who designs and creates large, three-dimensional stainless-steel sculptures, is noted for incorporating light, sound, motion and a variety of shapes and textures in his work.

“The children of the world today are the future of tomorrow,” said Toras. “They can all be the master of the universe one day.”

Toras began applying his skills as a certified pipe fitter and welder to create art in 1977 when he began experimenting with various techniques and methods of welding. He begins most pieces with scrap stainless steel he picks up from a variety of places around his home.

“We often say that you’ll find something inspirational around every corner at Discovery Park,” said Jennifer Wildes, the organization’s director of exhibits. “Because of all the unique, one-of-kind artifacts on display both inside and out, this artwork fits in very nicely here.”

Visitors to Discovery Park who enjoy “Master of the Universe” will have the opportunity to see even more of Toras’s artwork when an outdoor display of his sculptures is placed throughout the park July 2 – Oct. 2, 2020. Included in the exhibit will be more than 15 pieces of various sizes.

Beginning June 1, 2020, Discovery Park of America’s outdoor heritage park will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays for deep cleaning. For more information, visit DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com.

Photo caption: Jennifer Wildes, collections and exhibits director, meets with sculptor John Toras as he delivers “Master of the Universe,” the newest addition to Discovery Park’s 50-acre heritage park. Experience an outdoor exhibit of Toras’s work July 1 – Oct. 2, 2020.