A Detroit-based artist with extensive ties to Southwest Michigan is proposing a new public art installation for Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor.
Foster Willey is a sculptor who grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from St. Joseph High School. He spent years in Minnesota, where he was behind several public art projects, before moving to Detroit. He tells us he’s proposing “Lake Deity” for the park in Benton Harbor, a 15-foot stainless steel piece that he says will pay homage to the importance of Lake Michigan. It would be located near the concessions area.
“It’s an abstract sculpture that I would say kind of references modernist sculpture, but it’s also based on very traditional ideas about sculpture, the figure,” Willie said
Willey says Lake Deity is designed as both a tribute and a gathering place, serving as a sculptural landmark that engages the public while promoting cultural and ecological awareness.
“This location at Jean Klock Park is perfect for the sculpture and the summer solstice sunset line. Basically, the kind of concentric shape of the sculpture frames the sun as it’s going down on June 21.”
Willey has completed the preliminary design of the installation and is now working with community leaders to get the project started.
“We will begin a fundraising campaign, I think, once the city has endorsed it, and I have a committee of local entrepreneurs and arts activists. A number of people from the Benton Harbor Arts District are working with me.”
Willey says it would take about $325,000 to install the sculpture at the park. He’s making a presentation to city leaders at the Benton Harbor Public Library next week to explain. The meeting will be Thursday, May 21, at 4 p.m. and everyone’s welcome. We have renderings of Willey’s vision at our website.