Three new and unique pieces of artwork will be seen at parks around Castle Rock this year as part of the countywide Art Encounters program.

Through the program, various works of art are selected for display for a one-year period within Castle Rock, Parker, Lone Tree and Highlands Ranch. Douglas County coordinates the program, and the art is promoted countywide.

Castle Rock’s Public Art Commission announced late last month the three pieces that will be displayed in Castle Rock parks:

Stumped, which is on display in Festival Park, was created by artist Doyle Svenby of El Paso County. His work, Flower Garden, is also on display in Douglas County.

Phoenix, which is in Butterfield Crossing Park, was created by Pueblo artist John Wilbar, who creates his sculptures using a wood panel substructural form covered with acrylic stucco. He has been involved with Art Encounters in the past.

Rattle, which is at the clubhouse at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course, was created by artist Suzanne Kane, who also has works on display in Montana and New Mexico.

These pieces will be on display until June 2013.

Each artist receives a $500 stipend for allowing his or her work to be displayed. The stipend is paid for by the Philip S. Miller trust fund. Castle Rock is one of several entities that benefits annually from the trust, left by local banker and philanthropist Philip Miller and his wife, Jerry.

The Millers bequeathed a portion of the proceeds of their estate to the Town, and Town Council earmarks the funds annually for public art and other community-driven programs.

This year is the fifth year the Town has participated in the program, which was developed in 2008 to promote public interest in art, develop community pride, and draw visitors to the retail or civic areas where the art is displayed.