"Ode to the American Farmer"
Steel sculpture by Robert Sestok
A 14 foot tall welded steel sculpture completed in 1986, initially installed on the campus of North Huron Schools.
The idea was to make a structure that resembled farm equipment with an old plow attached to the top. This signified the struggle of the American Farmer." From the artist's website: "Early in my career, living and working in downtown Detroit, inspired my deconstructivist methods for creation art. The Cass Corridor art community of the 1970's of which I was a part of, used found objects and other non-traditional materials, tearing things apart and reconstructing them." An ode is an expressive lyrical poem, sometimes accompanied by music.
Located at the Butterfly House & Garden
"St. Michael of Port Austin"
Bronze Statue by Thomas Donahue
Made possible by a donation of Diane and Del Ruth
Michael stands on a base featuring many symbols of the local landscape including shoreline rock formations, a harvested tree, and a stand of corn. The angel's outstretched wings are inspired be the Michigan sand hill crane.
Located at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery
“Fish Wave”
Stainless steel sculpture engineered, fabricated and erected by Weldall of Elkton
John Pridnia visualized and worked with local artists to design the Port Austin Harbor Sculpture erected of stainless steel on it’s waterfront to represent the seasonal beauty of Lake Huron.
It’s strategically placed at the base of the break wall walkway where the Harbor and Veterans Park properties adjoin one another.
The massive stainless steel sculpture stands 9 ft above ground and 6 ft below. It has a concrete foundation wind tested to withstand 100 plus miles per hour winds off the lake.
The costs associated with the Harbor Sculpture were graciously provided by Del and Dianne Ruth of Port Austin.
Located between Veterans Waterfront Park and Port Austin State Harbor
“Gridmen”
Metal sculptures fabricated by Steve Vaughan, Ironman Fabrication with powder coating provided by American Technical Fabricators.
Originally conceived as part of a metal sculpture suite commissioned via a Thumb Area Partnership grant, the Grid Men quickly became interactive art installations covered with “love locks” - padlocks added by the public.
* Inspired by the Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris, France where the “love locks” idea first originated.
Located on Lake Street at the entrance to the Village Green & Veterans Waterfront Park
“Rise”
METAL & GLASS SCULPTURE
A collaborative project that is based on a painting by Terry Boyle and was designed and fabricated by the Detroit Design Center, (Israel & Eric Nordin)
Located on Center Street outside of the Little Yellow Cottages
“Circle of Trees”
Metal Sculpture fabricated by Steve Vaughan, Ironman Fabrication with powder coating provided by American Technical Fabricators.
The sculpture blends a desire to highlight our part of a larger world with a grounding in the organic sense of place. Size is balanced with its fragility calling to mind the balance we face as humans.
Located at the Historic Gym in the center of the Village
“Wave Effect #1”
Metal Sculpture fabricated by Steve Vaughan, Ironman Fabrication with powder coating provided by American Technical Fabricators.
Wave Effect #1 is a reflection on the circular nature of existence. It draws on morning sunrises and how water plays an absolute role in our lives.
Located at the entrance to the State Harbor
“Butterfly Donor Tree”
Metal sculpture
Commissioned courtesy of the Port Austin Lion’s Club to recognize donors who supported the installation of the Butterfly House.
The sculpture features an array of butterfly shaped perforations along with the stamped names of the generous donors.
*Inspired by sculptures from Bogota, Colombia created to raise funds for the families of fallen police officers.
Located at the Butterfly House & Garden