Announcing Two Public Art Installations
The Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority is proud to announce two new public art installations recently installed within Parking Lot #1, behind the Cleary's Pub block. This large public parking lot was recently reconstructed by the City of Howell and Downtown Development Authority. The Howell Main Street Design Committee began a campaign to locate suitable art installations to be incorporated into the new parking lot in 2008. Local artists Jessica Tokman, a glass artist, and Carl Goines, a sculpture artist, were engaged to create pieces of art that reflected the Howell community and culture. The results are two beautiful expressions of the Howell community and history:
Native American Bent Limb Topiary Sculpture
This sculpture is inspired by the "Indian Trail Tree" formerly located on Wetmore Street in northwest Howell. In the early 1800's the Potawatomi Indians planted and hand-bent the tree limbs in the direction of "The Grand River Trail," a commonly used pathway referencing food, water, and safe travel. The artist, Carl Goines, donated countless hours to creating this work of art.
Any funds provided to the artist were paid for entirely by an Urban Revitalization 3.0 Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (M.E.D.C.) and a corporate donation from First National Bank in Howell. No public funds were used.
"The Spirit of Howell" Slumped Glass Panels
This series of glass panels by Jessica Tokman, glass artist, pay homage to Howell's rich history and traditions. They represent events that have long been a vital part of our community. Our acclaimed Howell Melon Festival and Balloon Festival, our Sunday Farmers' Market and Court House Lawn Concerts - some of the many traditions that have, for years, embodied the spirit and enduring sense of community that continue to make Howell a city like none other. The artist donated countless hours towards creating the glass panel series.
Any funds provided to the artist were paid for entirely by an Urban Revitalization 3.0 Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (M.E.D.C.) and a corporate donation by Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. No public funds were used.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Held November 24th at 9:00 a.m.
The City of Howell Mayor and City Council, the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street, Howell Main Street Design Committee, and both artists held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Parking Lot reconstruction and Public Art installations on Wednesday, November 24th at 9:00 a.m.
City of Howell Mayor Geraldine Moen and City of Howell Downtown Development Authority President Stephanie Schlittler cut the official ribbon.
Special recognition and thanks should be given to Carl W. Goines and Jessica Tokman, both of whom donated many hours in the creation of their works of art.
In addition, we are very grateful for the Howell Main Street Design Committee for the hundreds of volunteer hours put towards making these projects possible. The Public Art Sub-Committee is made up of Pam Lewis, Ron Gary, Terry Lyons, and Jeri McKeon-Anderson.
