artists and galleries but suffers from very little public art, has added a major piece to its
collection of Public Art. Until this year, the total amount of public art was two Davis pieces
at the Beck Center, the Viktor Schreckengost Johnny Appleseed, err "Early Settler" on the
front of the Lakewood High school Auditorium, and the fireman carved out of tree trunk in
front of Fire Station 1, which had rotted apart.
This was replaced by a spectacular piece to honor those that died in 911, and to honor
the many firemen and women that have died in action. You can see 121 photos of that installation
here: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/911-monument-build-out-1
But yesterday, thanks to the hard work of the Lakewood Public Library Board, Friends of
Lakewood Public Library, and the LPL Art Committee we got a wonderful piece that has
already changed the landscape of Detroit, and makes going DowntowN much more enjoyable!
The art committee, after going through over 200 entries chose a piece by Industrial Artist
Peter Diepenbrock, and while it was cute as a model, it is amazing installed. The $125,000
piece of art was paid for completely by private donations, gathered through the hard work
of Friends of Lakewood Library, and the LPL Art Committee. They did an amazing job! And
we should all think about joining!
What follows are some of the photos from my blog of spending a good day at the Library
with Peter Diepenbrock, and others. I have posted a few here, but I would encourage you
to go to my photoblog and really take in the piece. For it is amazing. As was pointed out
to me by Peter, it appears to change as you walk by. It opens and closes, and never looks
the same. I also noticed the piece which is stainless steel and bronze, changes color depending
on the light and moisture in the air. Art is always in the eye of the beholder, but I LOVE
this piece, and give a tip of the hat to all involved.
At 7:30am the crews assembled.
The piece being delivered by Shipper's highway Express.
The piece is settled into place.
Peter assembles the pieces.
Peter explains to Nancy Seibert who headed up the Art Committee, and has served
on the LPL for 9 years, that the piece needs to be turned 9" or 1 degree.
The crew stands in front of the assembled piece.
At night
After dinner, Peter stopped and talked with some of the many that had come down to
see it for themselves. There was not a negative comment. It was so good Peter asked
me at one time if I had paid them to come by.
Peter stands next to the piece for one last photo.
It has made a positive change to the library landscape, and the Detroit streetscape
A short video walking around the piece, so you can see how it changes shapes and opens and closes as you walk by.
Once again thank you to all involved, you did an amazing job!
You can see 121 photos of that installation here: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/peter-diepenbrocks-art-installation-at-the-lakewood-public-library Take 15 minutes, then go down and check it out!
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