Downtown Muskegon Blog

Behind the Scenes – “Muskegon, Together Rising”

The piece of art titled above has been widely anticipated since its announcement almost two years ago when Muskegon was awarded a State of Michigan Cool Cities grant. Since that time many details have come together and the final product by artist Richard Hunt will be unveiled on June 13 at 4:30 at the intersection of Third and Western. The public is welcome! Main Street caught up with Chris McGuigan of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, who has been active on the Public Art Committee of the Downtown Muskegon Development Corporation, who commissioned the piece.

MS: Who is Richard Hunt and how was he chosen for this commission?

CM: Richard Hunt occupies a preeminent place as one of our nation’s most acclaimed and sought-after public sculptors. The West Michigan art experts on the Public Art Committee, chaired by Pat Johnson, are very familiar with him and his work, having met him through Muskegon’s premier art guide, the late Corky Tuttle. The committee liked the fact that, though he has an international reputation, he has studios in Benton Harbor and Chicago. His commissioned work can be found coast-to-coast, including “We Will” in Chicago’s downtown, “And You, Seas” on St. Joseph’s pier, and “Mountaintop” in Memphis.

MS: Why does the round-a-bout make sense as a location for the art?

CM: 2005’s visioning process Imagine Muskegon identified Muskegon’s historic and cultural center as the corner of Third Street and Western Avenue. The traffic circle essentially “marks that spot”, making it the perfect place for this inspirational and aspirational piece.

MS: To the right is a rendering of the sculpture. Can you describe it in your own words?

CM: It is a soaring (45 feet) stainless steel structure that rises in a triangular tower widening as it rises, until at the top it reaches up in waves, wings, and arms (it suggests all of those) toward the best and most beautiful Muskegon! Light is important in the structure, as it will shine with daylight, and be lit from the ground at night.

MS: What is the symbolism that shines through the work?

CM: Well, I think I’ll quote the Douglas Malloch poem that inspired the name of the sculpture:

Arise, thou Muskegon,
Thou queen of the harbors,
Arise in thy glory
And claim thy estate;
No longer thy saw mills
Sing loud in thy arbors,
Yet echoes an anthem
More sure and more great.


MS: What challenges have been encountered as you physically anchor such a large piece in the round-a-bout? Besides the art, what else will change about the appearance of the round-a-bout?

CM: The piece is bolted to a base which is anchored on four posts sunk 25 feet down. The engineer had to design it to avoid piercing waterpipes, and other utility conduits. Also, the original landscaping in the circle was relocated so that an “erupting earth” setting for the sculpture could be created. Harry Wierenga of Fleis & Vandenbrink created the design that calls for rocks similar to those along the channel, to surround both the sculpture and the plaque in front of the Frauenthal. It will look spectacular!

MS: MS: Well good luck in the last few days before the unveiling. I am excited to see the piece of art, and the impression it will make downtown Muskegon!

CM: Thank you — this piece promises to become the symbol of our rebirth and our downtown for many many years.

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Check it out on the web

Richard Hunt on Wikipedia
Richard Hunt's website
Downtown Webcam - visit Thursday beginning at 7:00 a.m. to watch the installation live!

posted by Dan & Sarah @ 1:12 PM