What are those orange snails? Traveling art exhibit from Italy installed in central Ohio

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Larger-than-life orange snails have popped up in central Ohio as part of a traveling art exhibit from Milan, Italy.

The three snails have been placed on the front lawn of the Dublin Arts Council at 7125 Riverside Drive to serve as a public art exhibit named "Dwelling: A Snail's Journey," open from May 11 through June 28. The sculptures traveled from Milan, where they were created by a group of six Italian-based artists known as "Cracking Art."

Along with an opening reception from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 11, the council will unveil a temporary exhibition in coordination with the three giant orange snails. The public artworks "will spark conversation about human connection and our relationship with natural and artificial environments," the council said.

While the Dublin Arts Council is serving as the initial home for the nails, the intention is that the artworks will travel to additional sites in the community. Through programming inspired by the concept of the snail, the council is inviting the community to meet the snails in person and "help build the snails' story and journey."

During the exhibition, the council gallery will be activated with creative prompts, sensory activities and contemplative practices inspired by the nature of snails.

Cracking Art choose to feature snails because the snail moves slowly and patiently, representing moving gradually toward a target. The council noted its shell is also associated with mass communication in Italy, as the Italian word for snail -- "Chiocciola" -- is also the name used for the "@" symbol.

"The helix of its shell, which allows the snail to both hear and move, emphasizes the importance of the ability to listen and the utility of the upward movement that regulates the universe," the council said.

The artists picked to adorn the snails with orange because of the color's association with the changing of seasons, representing movement. Orange is also associated with creativity, health and vitality, the council said.