Murals large and small, statues at the Sage Library, sculptures, and even the Third Street Street Bridge each are displays of public art that brighten our world daily.
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Photo courtesy of Public Art PassportSteel Series #5 by Mike Barker is on display outside the Bay Area Community Foundation until the end of August.Did you know there is more to each of the displays than meets the eye?
The
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum on the
Saginaw Valley State University campus provides an online tool and a contest to help you go deeper into the public art throughout the region.
Public Art Passport was created in 2022 to help people discover artwork not only in Bay City – such as the
Sacramento Steamship Rudder , the murals that decorate exterior business walls, or even the painted
utility boxes at Wenonah Park – but also to help you take notice of art throughout multiple states.
Erin Pilarski, Community Relations & Marketing Manager for the museum, says encouraging people to interact with art is the reason behind the initiative.
“We love to see our community grow with all these beautiful pieces, all the beautiful artwork, and we want to share that. It’s not just art, it’s everyone’s art.”
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Photo courtesy of Public Art PassportGreat Lakes Guardian by Gary Kulak is on display in Wenonah Park through the end of August.The Public Art Passport’s online tool offers links to local art displays.
Through the end of August, there is a special exhibit in the area. Pilarski says 13 sculptures were temporarily placed throughout the region, including Downtown Bay City and SVSU to promote the idea that museums are not the only places to look at art.
Many of the artists are from right here in the community.
Pilarski says that community includes anywhere in the Great Lakes Region, including Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Toledo.
“We had quite a few people apply to be part of the sculpture exhibition,” she says.
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Photo courtesy of Public Art PassportThe Conversation by Mark Beltchenko is on display outside The Jefferson Project until the end of August.A committee chose the 13 pieces that are spread across the region. Three of the sculptures are in Bay City at
Wenonah Park,
The Jefferson Project, and the
Pere Marquette Depot.
“I believe that public art transforms the way people look at visual phenomena in their environment. Whatever its form, public art attracts attention and affects people’s attitude toward their surroundings and often stimulates an exchange of ideas that can be enriching emotionally, intellectually and aesthetically,” writes artist Ray Katz, a Michigan sculptor, whose work “Infinity Awakening,”
is on display in Downtown Saginaw.
Pilarski agrees.
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Photo courtesy of Public Art PassportRoller Snake by Todd Kime is on display outside Dow Diamond in Midland until the end of August.“We did recognize there’s all these beautiful artworks around us, and there have been studies where community artwork brings in not only tourism but togetherness. We wanted to express that,” through the promotion of the over 300 works across the region, she says.
When Public Art Passport started, there were a handful of installations on the list. Over the last two years, Pilarski says the list has grown. The art community and general community can suggest items so the list will continue to grow.
“We’re constantly growing, constantly changing,” she says. “Get out there and discover what is around you ... There might be some hidden gems out there right now that people just walk by and don’t recognize as well. We want to make sure that it’s recognized.”
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Graphic courtesy of Public Art PassportOne way to engage with the public art ends soon. Public Art Passport is holding a selfie contest. To participate, find the 13 temporary installations and snap a selfie with them. Post the picture to social media using @publicartpassport and #publicartpassport to enter.
The more sculptures you find, the better your chances of winning. More details about the contest are posted on the website. The contest closes Fri., Aug. 30.
Finding the installations is as easy as visiting the website. While on the website, you’ll see more than just maps. For example, you’ll also find a 360-degree view of Bay City with each installation identified. Click on the icons and it brings up images and information about the art.
The end of this month isn’t the end of your opportunity to engage with art. Pilarski says there are other events this fall around the Public Art Passport.
On Tues., Sept. 3, an Artist’s Assembly will be held at the Historic Masonic Temple. During the assembly, artists – both seasoned and aspiring – come together to create, mingle, and network with other artists.
Visit the website and click on
calendar to find more events throughout the region.