GADSDEN — Community leaders, supporters of the arts, family members, and guests gathered Thursday afternoon, June 11, at the Kiwanis Pavilion at Noccalula Falls Park for the official unveiling and acquisition of Not All Sacrifice Is Named, a large-scale mixed-media work by Huntsville artist and Gadsden native Taylor McLendon.

The artwork now becomes part of the permanent public collection at Noccalula Falls Park, a location that holds special significance for the artist, who spent much of his childhood at the Falls with family.

Created using acrylic, oil marker, and copper foil on reclaimed canvas, the piece explores themes of endurance, memory, sacrifice, and the emotional weight often carried through generations. The heavily layered and distressed surface reflects McLendon’s ongoing interest in creating work that feels weathered, lived-in, and emotionally honest.

The acquisition was made possible through the support of Mayor Craig Ford, Councilman Chris Robinson, Friends of the Falls, and the City of Gadsden.

Councilman Chris Robinson opened the ceremony by speaking about efforts to bring more art to Gadsden and its public spaces. Robinson said he first became interested in the piece after seeing it online and immediately began exploring what would be required to bring the artwork to Gadsden.

Before introducing the artist, Robinson shared information about McLendon’s background and reflected on his history growing up in Gadsden and visiting Noccalula Falls as a child.

McLendon then addressed those in attendance, thanking Mayor Craig Ford, Robinson, the Gadsden City Council, Friends of the Falls, and the City of Gadsden for helping make the acquisition possible.

He expressed appreciation for Mayor Ford’s continued investment in the City of Gadsden and for recognizing the importance of the arts within the community. He also thanked Robinson for championing the acquisition and advocating for the artwork to become part of the city’s collection, noting that “public art only happens when passionate people are willing to advocate for it.”

McLendon also recognized Friends of the Falls for their efforts in preserving and celebrating one of the area’s most cherished landmarks, a place that continues to create lasting memories for families throughout the region.

The artist described the occasion as a full-circle moment. Having grown up in Gadsden, he recalled spending much of his childhood at Noccalula Falls, riding the train, celebrating birthdays, and attending family reunions in the very building where the ceremony was being held.

He explained that art has always been connected to memory for him, as well as the things people carry through life, the challenges they overcome, and the individuals who shape them along the way.

McLendon thanked his mother for inspiring his interest in art and recognized a mentor who helped guide him throughout his artistic journey. He also thanked his husband for his support and belief in his work.

Discussing the piece itself, McLendon said Not All Sacrifice Is Named reflects the private sacrifices that often go unnoticed and the endurance that rarely receives recognition. He expressed hope that those who view the work will see something of themselves within it.

He thanked family members and friends for their love, encouragement, and support throughout his career, adding that “being an artist, means walking a road that is rarely a straight line.”

McLendon also invited attendees to visit Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment in Huntsville to view additional examples of his work.

https://lowemill.art/event/taylor-mclendon-what-we-carry-what-we-release/

Following his remarks, McLendon and Robinson unveiled the artwork, which will remain permanently displayed above the fireplace inside the Kiwanis Pavilion.

After the unveiling, McLendon invited representatives of the Gadsden City Board of Education Foundation and members of the J.D. McDuffie family to join him. He then presented a $1,000 donation to the Gadsden City Board of Education Foundation to benefit the J.D. McDuffie Legacy Scholarship.

The afternoon not only marked the addition of a significant work of art to Noccalula Falls Park, but also celebrated the connection between community, memory, and the importance of supporting both the arts and future generations.