LEAP and Community Partners Dedicate New Public Art Sculpture in West Lansing
New 16 Foot Sculpture Graces Drab West Lansing Roadway
LANSING, Mich. –This morning in West Lansing, local officials and community partners gathered to dedicate a new public art sculpture made possible by a Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and PNC Foundation Public Art for Communities Grant, a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)/Saginaw Oakland Commercial Association (SOCA) Patronicity crowdfunding campaign, Christman Construction, the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, the city of Lansing, Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc., and the Power of WE.
“This is LEAP’s 23rd art piece placed throughout the three county area as part of LEAP’s placemaking programs,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “LEAP’s vision to embed arts and culture in our everyday lives is absolutely present in our support for this critical piece of a great placemaking project. Both the numbers and incredible public art like this, illustrate that Lansing is growing and is poised for long-term prosperity.”
The stainless steel sculpture, titled Prosperity, stands 16 ft. tall and was designed by artist Fritz Olsen.
Artist Fritz Olsen described his vision for the sculpture as one that visually articulates the surrounding roadways and honors the history of the auto industry in the area.
Prosperity is part of the larger Point West Art and Trail placemaking project spearheaded by SOCA, the Old Oakland Neighborhood Association (OONA), and the West Side Neighborhood Association (WNA) in 2016. The project calls for a new one mile multiple use trail within Dunnebacke and West Side Parks. Prosperity is intended to act as a gateway to the park and to calm traffic in the area.
“I’m thrilled to see the Point West Art and Trail project reaching this important milestone,” said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. “Prosperity is an important beacon. It signals to both residents and visitors alike that Lansing is a vibrant , dynamic community. “
The City of Lansing in partnership with the Saginaw Oakland Commercial Association were awarded Public Art for Communities grant funds in 2016 as one of three recipients. Prosperity is one of 23 sculptures funded or funded in part by LEAP’s Public Art for Communities grant program.
“This sculpture is a great example of what strong collaboration can achieve,” said Paul Schmidt, President of the Saginaw Oakland Commercial Association Board of Directors. “This amazing feat was accomplished through the efforts of many, leaving us with a welcoming site that is a great representation of the city for all who live and visit here.”
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About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business.
About the PNC Foundation
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a multi year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.
Category: Placemaking, Press Releases