It’s not every day you get to mingle with nationally-recognized sculptors from across the country. But this weekend, you certainly can!

A dozen renowned artists are in town to install their 12 sculptures along Academy Street in Cary, as part of the 2013 Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition, presented by Cary Visual Art and the Town of Cary.

You have an exclusive opportunity to meet the artists, along with juror and RDU Airport public art consultant Cheryl Stewart, and be on hand for her highly-anticipated announcement of Best in Show, at an opening reception on Friday, Aug. 9.

Set for 6 p.m., at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., the evening will feature live entertainment, local fare and cocktails.

Individual reception tickets are $40, and are available at the door, at the Cary Arts Center or at caryvisualart.org.

This year’s outdoor sculpture exhibition, which will appear in Cary through June 2014, features a cell phone audio tour in collaboration with Triangle nonprofit Arts Access.

Walking tour maps will be available at Lazy Daze on Aug. 24; the Cary Arts Center; and the Page-Walker Arts & History Center.