Southwestern Illinois College art professor Don Bevirt will unveil his new sculpture at 2 p.m. Saturday at Thoman Park in O'Fallon.

Selected by the O'Fallon Arts Council to beautify the park, the welded metal sculpture is titled "Lifelines."

The work is Bevirt's interpretation of the spirit of his family and how O'Fallon, as well as their love for each other, remained with them for the rest of their lives, he said. It will be dedicated to Bevirt's father, Donald Pierce Bevirt, and aunt, Joan Bevirt-Blank.

"This is a positive for not only me, but the art department at SWIC," says Bevirt. "This sculpture will be a lasting memorial to the impact O'Fallon has had on my family."

Bevirt said his affection for O'Fallon is what caused him to offer to put his sculpture in a city park.

"I approached them with the idea for a memorial and they graciously accepted my request," Bevirt said. "It is comprised of two curvilinear forms, beginning at the same base, moving upwardly, apart and then together to symbolize the life directions of my father and aunt. A central ribbon symbolizes the O'Fallon ties the siblings had. A carefree time of their youth growing up on the family farm."

Designed by Bevirt and fabricated by O'Fallon artist Kevin Trobaugh, "Lifelines" will be located in the northeast portion of the park.

Trobaugh has exhibited works at Chicago's Navy Pier, the SWIC Belleville Campus, and in Peoria and St. Charles, Mo.

Contact reporter Scott Wuerz at swuerz@bnd.com or 239-2626.