This bronze statue is the central feature of the Anna Howard Shaw Memorial Park adjacent to the Big

Rapids Community Library. Born in England, Anna Howard Shaw grew up

in Mecosta County’s Green Township. She became a national figure as a minister, physician, orator, and leader

of the women’s suffrage movement. A strong advocate for women’s right to vote, she was entered into the

Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1983 and into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2000.

In this statue, Anna Howard Shaw looks forward with determination. She holds a book in her left hand, perhaps

representing her scholarship and professionalism. She reaches forward with her right hand, suggesting the

great sense of humanity and selflessness that she showed throughout her life as she advocated for the rights of women. The statue was the result of a collaboration between Renée Radell (painter) and Lloyd Radell (sculptor) whose intent was “to capture her energy, enthusiasm, dedication to high principles.”

As you walk along the bridge of the Riverwalk, you will encounter the metal sculpture Black Bear. Inspired by black bears, which are native to Michigan, artist Ivan Iler created this sculpture with a steel framework and aluminum plating. From the bridge you can observe the bear close-up, as it sits on a high perch atop a tall steel tree. Interestingly, the bear’s position changes as you observe it from different locations. When viewed from the walking bridge, the bear appears to stare the onlooker in the face. When observed from farther away, the bear appears to gaze into the distance, down river. Iler often represents the natural world in his art. He says, “Most of my work are things that are tangible, things you can see.” Festival of the Arts commissioned Black Bear for installation at this site in 2019.

The Celebration Pavilion creates a sanctuary in harmony with nature in Mitchell

Creek Park. An 11 ft. tall dome constructed of aluminum panels forms the

gazebo’s canopy. Looking up at the dome’s imagery, you will see familiar sights.

The wavy line around the dome’s base represents the Muskegon River and its

many inhabitants, including turtles, herons, geese, fish, and deer. The sinuous

line above this depicts the Riverwalk, with children, joggers, and fishermen

enjoying the space. Trees—with their dense network of branches and full of birds

and other wildlife—unify the design. A quote from Mother Teresa runs around

the dome’s base on the inside: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a

stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Artists Marlies Manning and David Murray (a professor at Ferris State University)

created our gazebo. They worked together with 150 FSU welding students to

make this structure over the course of two years. While you can see the dome’s

gleam from various locations, standing under its canopy creates a sense of inclusion as you become part of the habitat along the river, where people and nature coexist peacefully.

The installation Petroglyphs pops with electric color filling the 69 window openings of the historic Simonds International Building. Metro Detroit-based artist Joey Salamon created a panel for each window with sharp-edged, geometric compositions painted in a rainbow of colors. Each panel is unique, offering a variation on a theme. The paintings create a gallery effect when viewed together on the building. Noting the overall impact of his installation, Salamon said, “I think it’s more interesting when you drive past because there’s a lot to take in.” The Simonds Building is a historic structure that was originally home to the Pine Shop in the 1870s, which functioned as space for furniture construction. The building is now used as a storage facility. The Festival of the Arts committee saw the boarded windows as an opportunity for public art. The juxtaposition of Salamon’s colorful, abstract paintings with the much older architecture creates a contrast that keeps calling for one more look.

A shiny aluminum sculpture of a man and a woman paddling a canoe rises above the Big Rapids Riverwalk.

The abstract figures in the canoe lean forward and paddle with a sense of energy that reflects the

movement of the nearby Muskegon River. Artist Robert Barnum worked with students in FSU’s Welding

Engineering Technology Program to create this large-scale sculpture. Barnum said, “[the] sculpture is

dedicated to the river that flows through Big Rapids. This moving force of nature is not only a thing of

beauty but is a powerful force that impacts the lives of all who visit or live here.” The canoe is supported

by a tall pillar of corten steel, which is embellished with a cutout design of plant forms that echo the outdoor

environment. The sculpture honors Jack and Susan Batdorff, longtime supporters of the arts in Big Rapids.