Over the course of the past 13 years, summertime visitors to the bustling central business district of downtown St. Joseph have met up with an interesting cast of characters from carousel horses to barnyard friends, and from lighthouses to planes, trains and automobiles. Beginning tomorrow the community and its visitors will be introduced to 20 new public art pieces including some that will overpower the sidewalks they appear to emerge from.
The 2017 St. Joseph Public Art display, “Fishing for Fun in St. Joseph,” debuts on street corners and at storefronts in the annual bid to lure you into the stores, restaurants and destination attractions of the popular beach town once again.
The traditional artist unveiling event is slated to run from 5:30 until 8pm tomorrow evening, Friday, May 19th along State Street and ancillary side streets with a big party atmosphere including a live band, free “Artist Bucks” from sponsor Abonmarche Consulting of Benton Harbor, and a chance to meet the artists who have created this year’s sculptures.
While the sculptures will remain on street corners through September 21st, the $5.00 “Artist Bucks” expire Friday night and are redeemable only at participating merchants in downtown St. Joseph. The first 400 adults to visit the Welcome Center downtown will be given a $5 Artist Buck note for use downtown.
The sculptures this year are comprised of 10 huge fish that appear to be leaping from the pavement and 10 shark figures, all of which have been designed and painted by local artists and other groups.
Event coordinator Susan Solon who serves as Marketing & Communications Director for the City of St. Joseph has once again shepherded the public art campaign and she points out that a colorful brochure/map will be available at the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center at 301 State Street in St. Joe detailing where each sculpture can be found as well as a summer full of festivals and events taking place downtown.
You can also learn more online by clicking the link below. Keep in mind too that if you find a favorite among the sculptures, you will have the chance to buy it during the end of season auction in September which provides income to launch the 2018 public art display.
Here’s the link: http://www.stjosephpublicart.com
