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As more walkable community art gardens pop up across the country, you might be surprised to find that we have a few in our very own backyard. Located in Grand Rapids, Ohio, the Grand Rapids Sculpture Garden has quickly become a must-see art exhibit for 
those of us in the Northwest Ohio area.
Planting the seed for a new experience
Nestled among the cafes, restaurants and shops lining Front Street in Downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Sculpture Garden offers an open-air alternative to the traditional museum experience.
While the garden is quaint, it offers plenty of space for local artists to showcase their creative work to the community. Amy Laukhuf-Fitch, President of the Grand Rapids Arts Council, shared that the vision for this exhibit was born before she became council President.
“What began as an idea by past president, Diana Votava and treasurer, Craig Hamilton has now grown into a sculpture garden featuring eight works by a diverse group of artists,” she said.
As you stroll through this outdoor installation, you’ll find a variety of sculptures utilizing varying mediums – some abstract, some concrete, but all unique in their own ways.
“Together, these sculptures form more than a collection; they create a walkable experience where creativity, craftsmanship,
and community meet,” said Laukhuf-Fitch.
The Grand Rapids Sculpture Garden features art by Richard Alen, Kelly O’Neal, Daniel Leck, Zack McKenna, Annabell Bowen, Gail Christofferson and the garden’s newest emerging artist, Ian Dawson.
Bringing a new vision to the installation
Glassblower and blacksmith Ian Dawson is the newest sculptor bringing his distinct style to the Sculpture Garden.
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Dawson’s latest contribution is that of a phoenix – the mythical, immortal bird we often associated with growth and renewal. His depiction offers a unique take on the legend by incorporating one simple detail into the sculpture: a hand-blown, blue glass eye.
“Its striking blue eye suggests a transformation rooted in reflection, rather than chaotic fury typically associated with a blazing ‘red’ flame,” Laukhuf-Fitch said.
Looking towards the future of the garden
Dawson’s phoenix sculpture is the latest addition to the walkable exhibit, but it’s certainly not the last. “With artists like Ian Dawson now joining the garden, the future of this outdoor gallery looks even brighter,” said Laukhuf-Fitch.
She shared that the goal is to offer a rotating selection of art for guests to enjoy whenever they walk through the garden.
“We give each sculptor a fee every 6 month, for allowing us to install their piece,” she said. “Our intent is to have a few mainstays, but most of them would be rotated out every so 
often.”
By consistently featuring new artists who offer their own unique addition to the garden, Laukhuf-Fitch hopes to inspire trips from out-of-towners who want to experience local art outside of their own community gardens.
“As our sculpture garden grows, the Grand Rapids Arts Council hopes it will inspire visitors from Gibsonburg & Perrysburg, who already have nicely developed sculpture gardens in their villages” she said.
You can enjoy a walk through the Grand Rapids Sculpture Garden in-person at 24127 Front Street, Grand Rapids, Ohio, just west of Rapids Edge Coffee. For more information and updates on the installation, visit the Grand Rapids Arts Council website or follow them on Facebook. grandrapidsartscouncil.org
