Art

Great Lakes Pool

A generous contribution from the Kresge Foundation gave sculptor Glen Michaels the opportunity to design a unique pool for the first floor rotunda. Surrounding the base of the Michigan white pine, it symbolizes the crucial role nature played in shaping Michigan’s history. Michaels created an immensely elaborate mosaic made of hundreds of pieces of fused … Continued

Greetings from Lansing Mural

In 2015, the Design Committee of Downtown Lansing Inc. was awarded a grant for a “Greetings from Lansing” mural in downtown Lansing’s Stadium District on behalf of the City of Lansing. Goals for this mural were to create a dynamic placemaking contribution to the cityscape, to create community and civic pride for Lansing residents, and to … Continued

Grindstone

Nestled along the path between The Hill and the Health & Human Services Building on LCC’s campus, this subtle sculpture will prove trickier to find than most on campus. Look low! Created by William Royall, this stone piece represents Royall’s main body of work. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Royall chooses to work in stone rather … Continued

Growing Progress

The sculpture titled, “Growing Progress” was created by Michigan artist, Thomas Sheerin and is made entirely of recommissioned metal. The inspiration for the sculpture was to honor the Huhn family and their legacy in Grand Ledge from farming to selling Chevrolets. In 1919, Leo Huhn broke from the family’s agriculture roots and opened a Chevrolet … Continued

Happy in Holt

Delhi Township unveiled a new piece of art in November 2017 called “Happy in Holt” created by artist Matthew Lincoln in front of the Delhi Township offices. The artist created a ‘happy’ structure and if you look at it, it appears to be a ‘smile.’  This artwork was funded by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership.

Harmony/Cello

The violoncello, abbreviated as cello, is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. Bergmann Associates’ take on this solo musical instrument is 10 feet tall, four feet wide and rests on the East side of Dart Auditorium in an illustrious cherry red. (Source: Lansing Community College)

Hiker Memorial

Dedicated to the infantry of the Spanish American War of 1898, the Philippine Insurrection, and the China Relief Expedition, the Hiker Memorial is a bronze statue that originally cost $6,000 and was cast by Gorham Founders from a sculpture by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson. It was placed on the Capitol grounds on September 15, 1946, … Continued

Holt Farmer’s Market Sign

Glass and steel butterflies appear to by flying from the Market sign to the top of the building at the Holt Indoor Farmer’s Market. And a few even flew inside! This new sculpture is the creation of renowned artist Craig Mitchell Smith, who has also displayed work at the likes of Disney’s Epcot Center and … Continued

Hometown Hero

This sculpture depicts a hometown hero greeting and signing his autograph for his young fans. It was dedicated to the people of the City of Lansing on the ballpark’s opening day on April 5, 1996 by the families of Bruce J.Maguire, Jr. and Natalie Maguire Zoeller. It is cast in bronze.

Industry and Agriculture

Boris Mestchersy painted the oil-on-canvas mural “Industry and Agriculture” in 1938. Viewable in the lobby of the historic Eaton Rapids post office, the work was commissioned by the Treasury Section of Fine Arts. (Source:  Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs)

Inner Circle

Donated by Wharton Center Inner Circle to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Wharton Center and Inner Circle,  volunteer organization supporting the performing arts and offering members an opportunity to enhance their knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts. Burnished stainless steel and rusted steel, 60 in. by 72 in. [Wharton Center PDF; publicart.msu.edu] 1944

Inspiration

Inspiration is a 20 ft tall, 2,000-pound ribbon of stainless steel by California sculptor James T. Russell. It has been buffed up and is ready to shine from the west bank of the Grand River, between the Lansing City Market and the Shiawassee Street Bridge. Known as the Gift to the City, this $225,000 sculpture has been funded … Continued

Inspire

The rainbow sculpture, INSPIRE, was motivated by an experience Lee Howser had many years ago. Another rainbow sculpture captivated him and stirred memories of the times he had started over and transformed his life into something new and different, and often for the better. Lee felt that the pivotal and transformational role that AL!VE plays in … Continued

Jackson National Life Sculpture

John A. Hannah Statue

This 2004 statue captures John A. Hannah walking briskly in mid-stride, reflecting his non-stop activity on behalf of the university. Hannah was MSU’s 12th president, serving from 1941 to 1969, during a period of unprecedented growth for the university and a time that saw MSU become one of the largest and most respected universities in … Continued

Junipers

Cliff Garten’s “Junipers,” resembling twin tornadoes of stainless steel, form a gateway to the latest large-scale campus development, 1855 Place, and its new market at the corner of Kalamazoo Street and Harrison Road in East Lansing. Garten’s workshop in Los Angeles spins out delicate-looking but tough, stainless steel webs that festoon parks, bridges, buildings and … Continued

Kean’s Mural

Holland based tattoo artist Chris Garcia gifted downtown Mason with a very charming and serene mural on the side of Kean’s Store on August 9, 2018. The artwork took Garcia one week to complete, and depicts several different types and species of flowers in varying colors and sizes. The owner of the store, Teresa Wren, … Continued

Kovar’s Apartment

Köpenick is a historic town and locality (Ortsteil) that is situated at the confluence of the rivers Dahme and Spree in the south-east of the German capital city of Berlin. It was formerly known as Copanic and then Cöpenick, only officially adopting the current spelling in 1931. It is known for the famous imposter Hauptmann … Continued

Layers

In November 2017, the Lansing Poetry Club received a First Impressions Placemaking Grant supported by the City of Lansing, the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. The purpose of the grant was to celebrate four areas of the city—Old Town, REO Town, the Stadium District and the Eastside— through a … Continued

Leaf

The leaf is representative of Michigan State’s beginnings as an agricultural college as well as the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment, a college housed within Bailey Hall. The leaf signifies the idea of growth within a college setting. It was created by Guy Kemper and installed in 2012.

Liberty Hyde Bailey

Liberty Hyde Bailey, who transformed the study of horticulture and rural sociology among many other achievements during his time at the university, boasts a statue in the MSU Horticulture Gardens. Bailey served as Chair of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening at the beginning of his professional career, thus making this location a fitting one. The statue is … Continued

Life Ray

Katy Stone is known for works that are reminiscent of nature, while also suggesting growth, expansion and transformation. Spreading along a wall under a light that symbolizes illumination, reach, and direction, Katy hopes this piece speaks to qualities that are reflected in the fields of nursing and life sciences. This piece was installed on campus in … Continued

Life’s Lessons

Featuring a child seeking knowledge, this 2007 sculpture illustrates the quest for knowledge and compassion for nature. As an interactive piece, it is comfortably at home in this interactive garden. This sculpture was a gift from Jane Taylor, the founder and first curator of the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden. It is made of bronze and … Continued

Lifted

Glass ceiling sculpture in main lobby of the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center at Sparrow Hospital features 100 pieces of kiln-fired blue-green iridescent waves of glass by artist Craig Mitchell Smith. Smith’s piece for the center involves 100 pieces of glass that each take two days to complete and involved his studio’s full production capability to finish … Continued

Literature

Literature is a dynamic and thought-provoking sculpture of four stacked limestone books. Fabricated by Indiana Cut Stone, the detailed books will stimulate the mind’s eye from any angle. Set back off of the pathway, Literature is a must-see piece that sets the stage for contemplative enjoyment and rewarding conversation among LCC’s campus. (Source: LCC Directory)

Mackerel Sky Gallery

Located in the heart of downtown East Lansing, Mackerel Sky Gallery is a nationally-recognized gallery specializing in functional crafts, including arts to wear, artist-made jewelry, ceramics, glass and other fine crafts. Call them for more information at (517)-351-2211. Open Tuesday – Friday, 11a.m. – 7 p.m.,  Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday noon – 4 p.m.

Meridius Prime

This all stainless steel sculpture by artist Timothy Higgins has a cartographic feel and stands 14 feet tall with a base of 8 feet. It was commissioned by Meridian Township to encourage economic development (with the idea that art can help beautify even the most basic of public spaces) and to add to the cultural integrity of the community … Continued

Metamorphosis II

An abstract piece which suggests the workings of the cyclotron in which atoms are changed into electrified particles and accelerated in a magnetic field. It is open at the top, signifying the past, the center represent the present and the closed bottom represents the future. Bronze, 58 in. by 58 in. [Collections Search Center; publicart.msu.edu] … Continued

Mezza Luna

“Mezza Luna,” a metal kinetic sculpture that moves in the wind, was created for Lake Trust Credit Union’s new Lake Lansing Road branch (1300 W. Lake Lansing Road) by California-based artist Jeffery Laudenslager.

Michigan Landscapes

Sculptor Sergio Degiusti combined his interpretations of Michigan’s natural beauty with a commentary on modern American life in his 20 -panel bas-relief Michigan Landscapes. ”This work is an expression of what I see in our state and our society,“ Degiusti says. ”Like a Rorschach inkblot test, the work intends to allow viewers free association in … Continued

Michigan Passageway

This 2012 public mural serves as a special welcome to Downtown East Lansing visitors and as a way of celebrating the opening of the Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum. Internationally recognized local artist Tony Hendrick explains, “My vision for the mural was to create a welcoming space for East lansing visitors that would reflect a … Continued

Michigan State College Momolith

Created through both the historical Works Progress Administration and the Fee Assistance Program, this limestone marker welcomes visitors and students to Michigan State University’s campus. The marker was a gift from the MSU Class of 1938 while the university was known as Michigan State College. The classical column, reinterpreted in the Art Deco style of the … Continued

Michigan Tapestries

Through the expressive possibilities of woven fabric, artist Gerhardt Knodel conveyed his impression of Michigan’s natural beauty in two eight by 14 foot tapestries that accentuate the north and south walls of the Board Room. ”I wanted to use the end walls so participants can feel themselves extended as far as possible in space.“ Knodel … Continued

MSU Benefactor’s Walk

A series of architectural pillars with imagery fused to glass panel and ceramic tiles that reflect the names of the Benefactor’s who support Michigan State University.  .

MSU Scrap Wall

This 2013 piece is composed of scrap wood from Cordy Ryman’s studio as well as wood from his former, deconstructed pieces. Each piece is recycled and has its own unique history. By combining simple pieces of scrap wood to make a beautiful mosaic, Ryman makes his overall art greater than the sum of its parts.

MSUFCU Headquarters Sculpture

Installed in 2008 by artist Bill Barrett at the new MSUFCU headquarters.

Murals at Okemos Public Montessori at Central

A series of murals grace the front of the Okemos Public Montessori at Central.

Newton’s Cube

In 1600, Sir Isaac Newton theorized that a prism separates white light in the electromagnetic spectrum into colors that are visible to the human eye. These extraordinary colors come together in linear dissections of various shapes and sizes to create this dynamic multi-hued cube.

North Lansing Brenke Fish Ladder

The Brenke Fish Ladder was built in 1981 to help fish swimming up the Grand River pass the dam without injury. However, today the fish ladder is also a peaceful place to visit along the river where one can almost always find fishermen catching catfish, carp, sunfish, and other smaller species of fish that inhabit the Grand … Continued

North Woods

When approaching the Grand Staircase in the Library of Michigan, visitors have the sensation of walking into a large Michigan forest. The effect was created by Richard Kozlow in his 10 x 20 foot oil painting, “North Woods”. “I was born and raised in Michigan and have a great love for this state, especially the … Continued

Okemos Gateway Sculpture

Old Town BluesFest/JazzFest Mural

The JazzFest and BluesFest Old Town Mural was created as a Community Art Project in partnership with 24 teens in REACH Studio Art Center’s Teen Open Studio, the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art, Message Makers, Habitat for Humanity, and local muralists Joy Baldwin, Samskee, Lebaron Rodgers II, Steven Allen, Kaitlyn Granger, & Julie Smith. The … Continued

Old Town General Store Mural

Approaching this building from the west, one is immediately captured by Barbara Hranilovich’s colorful mural of an urban forest. The liveliness of the mural is carried to the front of the building, where the header bricks above the main entrance are picked out in matching colors.

Old Town Koi

Created by Andrew Sandstedt during the 2016 Scrapfest, the Koi now resides at the Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast in Lansing, Michigan. The inspiration for “Old Town Koi” came from two areas. The first is the anchor business of Old Town, Preuss Pets. A family owned business that has provided joy to countless animal enthusiasts for … Continued

Old Town Oak

In 2008, the current executive director of the Old Town Commercial Association, Jamie Shriner-Hooper, worked together with Harry Hepler from H, Inc. to get this “oak” tree placed in Old Town. Since the previous oak tree in this location had died and needed to be removed, this metal sculpture by Robert M. Welton was a fun … Continued

Opolis

This stainless steel sculpture by artist Timothy Higgins is approximately 12 feet tall and 5 feet wide and is installed in Rotary Park on Railroad Street near the historic depot in St. Johns. Affixed into the main part of the piece is a rotary cog with a medallion in the center depicting the front of a train … Continued

Orpheus

Clifton Wharton, MSU’s 14th president, and his wife Dolores commissioned Professor Melvin Leiserowitz to create the steel structure as an inspiration for fundraising in 1979. 6 tons. [State News]

Owl Bike Rack

The functional and creative “owl” bike rack brings a bit of whimsy to the recently redesigned parking lot located off of East River Street in downtown Grand Ledge. The scholarly owl incorporates numerous books which is relatable since this parking lot provides access to the Grand Ledge Area District Library, as well as numerous other … Continued

Pages

Take a stroll along the path between the Abel B. Sykes, Jr Technology and Learning Center and Mackinaw Building to find this limestone open book, Pages by Ryan Miller, on LCC’s campus. A student concept design, Pages is a reflection of all the things that might be. Nestled under the trees in a quiet student-focused area, … Continued

Painted Steel Gates at Beal Gardens

World-renowned metalsmith Albert Paley’s painted steel gates on the north and south ends of Beal Gardens are inspiring to come upon when strolling through the Beal Botanical Gardens at MSU. Those who choose to wander under the rare trees and tended rows of MSU’s most venerable gardens must now pass through a heavy, tangled mass … Continued

Peace Tree

Peace Tree is one of the six artistic bike racks/functional public art pieces installed in downtown East Lansing in 2014 designed to enhance bike parking options and the urban landscape. Peace Tree consists of two small, round trees made of stainless steel that resemble the City of East Lansing’s logo and create a sense of peace and calm. Artist … Continued

Pegasus

This sculpture was started by artist, Avard Fairbanks. After his death on New Year’s Day in 1987, it was finally completed by his son Grant. The pedestal reads: “This piece is dedicated to the spirit of Matilde R. Wilson who through her enduring legacy, the Matilde R. Wilson Fund, has given wings to our dreams.” Pegasus was installed … Continued

Penn4People

The Penn4People initiative focuses on making aesthetic improvements to Pennsylvania Avenue allowing for a more pedestrian friendly experience. This community mural was painted in a paint-by-number format allowing for many neighborhood residents and local students to be involved in making the art. The railroad bridge north of potter park zoo is frequently used by pedestrians … Continued

Pet Rock

This 2001 painting represents “The Rock” on Michigan State University’s campus: a place where student groups and organizations paint a large rock with their emblem for all to see. The artist, Jon Anthony, represents a cross section of the rock by creating layers upon layers of paint to mimic those that have been on the actual … Continued

Pisces

Enamel porcelain on iron or steel. 180 in. by 132 in. 1954

Polaris Ring

From Easter Island to Africa, from Greenland to New Guinea — David Barr’s work is displayed worldwide. Specializing in projects that employ geographic, geometric and geological elements, his Polaris Ring outside the Center’s main entrance often reminds visitors of a modern-day Stonehenge. Fifty steel columns encircle a five ton kona dolomite boulder. Smaller stones spinout … Continued

Portrait of a Dreamer

The 15-foot-tall sculpture called “Portrait of a Dreamer,” is composed entirely of stainless steel and overlooks Museum Drive from Michigan Avenue. “Portrait of a Dreamer” is not just substantial in stature but is also interactive and illuminated. Artist Ivan Iler describes the piece as one that visualizes the flow of ideas transpiring within Lansing’s cultural … Continued

Preuss Pets Mural

This mural spans several outside walls of the locally-owned Preuss Pets, drawing visitors in with vibrant colors and larger-than-life depictions of flora and fauna. Along with this mural and all the other aquatic themed imagery surrounding the corner and parking lot of Preuss Pets, a new multi-colored light up sign depicting the Preuss Pets’ “P” has been … Continued

Proclamation of Emancipation

Three mural panels in the entrance foyer of the Auditorium display themes typical of government-sponsored art of the 1930s and 40s. We Assure Freedom to the Free (1944), the central figure of Abraham Lincoln in Proclamation of Emancipation (1943), and the words of Walt Whitman in The Modern Man I Sing (1944), emphasize the importance … Continued

Prosperity

On November 7, 2017, a new sculpture was unveiled by the Saginaw Oakland Commercial Association at the point in the road where Saginaw and Oakland merge.  The stainless steel sculpture, titled Prosperity, stands 16 ft. tall and was designed by artist Fritz Olsen. Artist Fritz Olsen described his vision for the sculpture as one that … Continued

Rainbow Stairs

The Oakwood Neighborhood utilized a $250 Neighborhood Enhancement Mini-grant from the City of East Lansing to paint the stairs ascending from Valley Court Park to Oakhill Avenue. The mini-grants provide modest funding to neighborhoods in an effort to support neighborhood enhancement projects – everything from the installation of new signs/planters to beautification efforts, special neighborhood events, … Continued

Raising Harmony

Created in 2013, Raising Harmony honors the legacy of Mary P. Sharp, a woman of integrity and vision. As a former East Lansing City Councilmember (1965-1977), she was a trailblazer who passionately advocated for equality and civil rights for all people. Artist Richard Taylor integrated a diversity of shapes together to form a single, interconnected, … Continued

Reaction

In fulfillment of the City of East Lansing’s Percent for Art ordinance and in partnership with the East Lansing Arts Commission, the developers of the 565 E. Grand River Ave. redevelopment project commissioned a new public art sculpture, “Reaction,” for the median of Grand River Avenue. Grand Rapids-based artist Mark Schentzel created the sculpture.

Record Lounge Mural

Recycling for a Sustainable World

Artist Jim Cunningham depicts the two-dimensional recycling symbol, which was influenced by the original recycling symbol designed in 1970. The sculpture’s Mobius loop symbolizes continuous recycled use of materials. The sculpture is made of stainless steel formed from at least 80% recycled metal by North American Stainless.

Red Cedar Reflections

Inspired by the Red Cedar River, this 2012 mosaic portrays the ever-changing translucence of the water feature as it reflects the many images of campus life. The fabrication technique utilizes a combination of hand-formed ceramics in various oblong shapes and sizes, as well as small irregular pieces of glass byzantine smalti, and hand-glazed ceramic. The glazes … Continued

Reflections

Reflections is a vibrant sculpture consisting of three stainless steel cylindrical discs that enhance the landscape and surroundings through light, splendor, and a gleaming shine. Created by artist Andrew Taylor, adults and children alike will enjoy seeing themselves and surroundings from all angles. It is a wonderful showpiece for the LCC campus. (Source: LCC Directory)

Regard to Asher, Bash Bish Falls, Jeweled Woods, Touch of Rain

Don Resnick is one of a handful of significant painters who continue to devote their talents to portraying the American landscape. He insisted that his work was not simply depictions of nature but more so his reaction to it. His playfulness with light and the position of the sun gives his paintings a distinct life … Continued

Remembrance Memorial

The memorial is a 10-foot “H beam” salvaged from the World Trade Center and honors those who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia on September 11, 2001.

REO Town Sign

Previously a blighted Deluxe Inn motel site, this land then became an urban art exhibit prior to the motel’s demolition in 2010 when over 100 graffiti artists came to the abandoned motel and created masterpieces on its walls, creating a large buzz within the community. Many people came to the site to see the artwork and … Continued

Riding the Past into the Future

Riding the Past into the Future is a mural depicting a train coming to life.  St Johns was founded as a major hub for the railroad system in the late 1800’s.  The concept behind the design of the mural is capture the rich railroad history of St Johns and couple it to the Arts and … Continued