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DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A Dubuque metal artist who says he's down to his last months has donated two mechanical sculptures to the city in hopes they'll inspire children.
Jim Avery closed his studio and sold most of his equipment in November, following a colon cancer diagnosis nearly two years ago. He sought to find goods homes for his work.
One of the pieces by Avery donated to the city is an 11-foot-tall dicycle on which riders sit in the spokes between two wheels. The other is a bicycle on which riders sit within the wheels.
The pieces were recently on display in the city's Millwork District, the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald (http://bit.ly/1K44HvS ) reports. Avery said he hopes the pieces "inspire kids to think outside the box."
"I think the city of Dubuque would be a great caretaker," Avery said. "I am hoping the city finds the unique pieces to be progressive and optimistic to reflect the city's future."
The City Council voted unanimously Oct. 5 to accept the two pieces from Avery. Council members haven't decided their location.
"They are exceptional pieces, and (we) can't thank Mr. Avery enough for thinking of Dubuque as the place where he wants those pieces displayed," Mayor Roy Buol said.
Some council members suggested the pieces' transportation theme would fit at Dubuque's new Intermodal Transportation Facility or a new airport terminal. Avery favors the airport idea, saying one of the pieces has metal tubing from his father's hang glider.
Council Member David Resnick said he wants the pieces displayed so they can be in motion.
"That's when they're most beautiful," Resnick said. "They're designed to be in motion."
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Information from: Telegraph Herald, http://www.thonline.com
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