Plymouth Volunteerism Sculpture To Be Unveiled Oct. 1

"As One” is the name of the proposed sculpture to be unveiled Tuesday, Oct. 1, during a showing at the annual volunteer recognition event in the Plymouth Creek Center. The sculpture will reside in the main lobby area of City Hall.

The sculpture represents the spirit of volunteering in the city and is part of ongoing efforts to recognize the impact of 20 years of volunteer work in Plymouth. The city's volunteer program involves more than 2,000 people every year.

"The unveiling in the fall will be at our annual volunteer recognition event," said Plymouth Recreation Supervisor of Arts Travis Karlen.

The city and Plymouth Arts Council had a call for artist submissions earlier this year and received six submissions reviewed by a special committee May 21. The committee used several criteria in making their decision. Criteria included: quality of work, harmony of elements, creativity, uniqueness, feasibility and ease of installation within the project budget, appropriateness to the theme of the spirit of volunteerism and materials for the project.

The review committee included: Plymouth Mayor Kelli Slavik, Plymouth Council Member Tim Bildsoe, Parks and Recreation Commission member Merrilee Riley, Plymouth Arts Council Vice President Jacque Frazzini, Plymouth Arts Council Board Member Tatiana Eletsky, Community Member Mark Lawton, Karlen and City Volunteer Coordinator Jackie Maas. The committee chose James Anthony Bearden.

At its June 25 meeting, the Plymouth City Council approved a resolution of an agreement for artwork between the city and Bearden, who will complete the piece during the next couple months. 

The only description thus far for the sculpture is its made of plate steel with a fused bronze surfacing and can be no more than 7-feet tall, 3-feet wide and 2-feet in diameter. At this time, no further description of the piece will be made public.

"It's an abstract piece of art," Karlen said. "We want it to be a surprised when its unveiled so we're not wanting to say much more than that."

It will cost about $8,000 for the artwork and its installation. Funds for the project includes $4,000 from the city's Recreation Fund and $4,000 donated from the Plymouth Arts Council.

(Some information provided by the city of Plymouth.)