As you stroll through Douglas County's many paths, bike trails, parks and community centers this summer, you may have an unique encounter of the artistic kind as a result of the second annual Douglas County Art Encounters sculpture displays.

Started last year by the Douglas County Cultural Council, Art Encounters unites the community through public art displays that are placed in community areas.

This year's sculptures went up in June and they will remain on display for an entire year.

"Our municipalities have boundaries and highways that divide us, and we thought, 'What can we do through the arts that will unite the community?'" said Wendy Holmes, the public affairs director for Douglas County. "Public art was it, and we really hope people will take the time to travel and see all of the displays."

Twelve sculptures are on display throughout Douglas County, including Castle Rock's Festival Park, Parker's O'Brien Park and the Recreation Center at Eastridge in Highlands Ranch.

While only one of the artists, Sean Doherty, is from Douglas County, all the artists had to compete among 30-plus entries to be considered for this year, Holmes said.

She said, public art advisory committee, representing each community, was formed by the Douglas County Cultural Council to select the artwork .

The Douglas County Cultural Council was optimistic from the beginning, even in spite of some discouragement from other counties, whose past public art displays failed to attract community interest, Holmes said.

"It was most telling when we first had the courage to take on this venture, not only as a county, but with all of the municipalities," Holmes said. "We were told by other communities, 'Good luck, you'll be grateful to get a handful of artists to respond.' We got more than 30 responses from artists around the country, both years."

This speaks volumes about the quality of Douglas County citizens and their inclination as citizens to support the arts, Holmes said.

Holmes said she is grateful for the response to the program, both from the community and the artists.

"This would not happen if it wasn't for the artists, who for a small stipend, loaned their art for all of us to enjoy," she said.

Also, Art Encounters would not be possible if it wasn't for the portion of the county's Scientific and Cultural Facilities District funds set aside in 2006 and 2007 to be distributed to Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker for a community display, Holmes said. Castle Rock is not included in the SCFD funding, so it is relying on their Philip S. Miller Trust fund to support this program.

"This is one of the smallest ways sales tax is being used," Holmes said.

To honor the artists who participated in this year's Art Encounters, Douglas County is asking the community to vote on a favorite sculpture. The artist will be honored Sept. 18 with a people's choice award at a large reception/celebration.

Go to www.douglas.co.us/artencounters to read more about participating artists, display locations and how you can enter a sculpture next year.