Grand Rapids Sculpture Survey

"Motu Viget" Mark di Suvero

"Motu Viget", Mark di Suvero, 1977. Commissioned by the General Services Administration with help from local art advocates, this tri-beamed sculpture lies just outside the Gerald Ford Federal building. The sculptures name roughly translates to "strength through activity", and has a swing people can sit in. 

"Lorrie's Button" Hy Zolkowitz

"Lorrie's Button", Hy Zolkowitz, 1976. Winner of the Playground Sculpture Design Competition at Festival of the Arts in 1976, this sculpture was moved to West Riverfront Park (now Ah-Nab-Awen Park) in 1978.  

"The River's Edge" James Clover

"The River's Edge", James Clover, 1989. This sculpture is located close to the downtown Pew Campus and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. James Clover's work is said to be influenced by the structure of jazz music. Other local works of his include "Heaven and Earth" on Grand Valley State University's campus and "The Lake's Edge" in Grand Haven.

    

Civil War Monument

"Kent County Civil War Monument", 1885. Found in Monument Park in downtown, this sculpture is one of the oldest in Grand Rapids. Cast from white bronze by the Detroit Bronze Company, the initial color drew scrutiny as the figure on top resembled a Confederate soldier, and at one time was painted blue to better reflect the Union Army Soldiers it honored.  

"Aspiration of Inspiration", Joseph Kinnebrew IV, 1999. This tall, red sculpture is located just outside of Grand Rapids Community College and was a gift from Fountain Street Church right across the street.

"Aspiration of Inspiration" Joseph
Kinnebrew IV

  

"Split Ring" Clement Meadmore

"Split Ring", Clement Meadmore, 1973. Originally located in downtown Grand Rapids, the piece was later moved to Woodland Mall. In early 2016 it was moved back to its original location on Ottawa Street.   

"Justice", Joseph Kinnebrew IV, 1978. Commissioned in honor of a local attorney who died in a car accident, the piece is located outside the Gerald Ford Federal building and is 

"Justice" Joseph Kinnebrew IV

supposed to resemble a funerary monument and features a steel dissected pyramid form.                                 

"La Grande Vitesse", Alexander Calder, 1969. Original plans for the current site of Calder Plaza featured a fountain but plans soon changed after Henry Geldzahler from the Metropolitan Museum in New York suggested the city apply for funds for a sculpture. In 1969, "La Grande Vitesse" became the first sculpture to be funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Created by world-renowned artist Alexander Calder, the sculptures title translates to "the grand swiftness", referring to the movement of the Grand River. This sculpture has become synonymous with the city, featuring the sculpture on the city's emblem and Calder Plaza is now the location of many festivals and events year-round. 

"La Grande Vitesse" Alexander Calder