The first piece of public art in Spring Lake is almost a reality following hefty donations from the community, village leaders said Wednesday.
The village set a goal of $30,000 using the crowdfunding website Patronicity for the campaign, “Art in the Park.” If the goal is reached by Feb. 19, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will match the donation, said Angela Stanford-Butler, director of the Spring Lake Downtown Development Authority.
“This village doesn’t really have public art…yet we are a community teeming with artists” Stanford-Butler said. “The stars are aligning. The time is right.”
Since the campaign launched on Dec. 21, the village has raised more than $23,000 of its $30,000 goal, she said. One local philanthropist and developer made a $15,000 donation.
The mural will be located on a building wall by Whistle Stop Playground along Lakeside Trail. Once the piece is completed, the remaining funds will be used for more murals or public art projects, Stanford-Butler said.
“The goal was just to hit this one building, and now the ideas are pouring in,” she said. “The philanthropic families of this community are all on board because this is so exciting and new for Spring Lake.”
The linear park created through the campaign will use public art as a medium of connectivity and engagement, according to a news release from the MEDC.
“The installation of local art pieces along the trail will enhance the use and vibrancy of the area and the nearby park,” said MEDC Senior Vice President Katharine Czarnecki in a statement. “We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places Program.”
The idea for the mural came from two members of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office as part of the crime prevention through environmental design approach (CPTED).
“It provides a community with some identity, which is a crime deterrent,” said Sgt. Jason Kik, who helped plan the campaign. “It also creates what we call natural surveillance, and it brings people in to the area to see the art and to be around."
Spring Lake leaders will establish a committee to contact local artists, gather public input and make decisions on the mural’s specifics. Stanford-Butler said the finished product will bring more tourism and enthusiasm to the area.
“We want this to become something Spring Lake becomes known for,” she said.
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