Scope out Sandusky's new sculptures

SANDUSKY — From a spider to a zebra, those representing a local organization herded up a new batch of sculptures for locals and tourists to enjoy. Crews recently installed eight pieces as part of Sandusky Library's Lange Trust Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit, which debuted in 2019 with new artwork arriving on an annual basis. This latest group should remain in place for about a year. "The Sandusky city parks department graciously works with us to present these temporary public art pieces so that the community can enjoy them all year long," trust chairwoman Sarah Prout said. Funds from the trust, and not the library, pay for this exhibition, Prout said. When factoring in installation expenses, each series, such as this newest one, totals about $15,000. Sandusky's government contributes, Prout said, by maintaining the grounds in and around public spaces where these sculptures stand. So what happened to sculptures previously on display? "The Midwest Sculpture Initiative (a group providing the sculptures for Sandusky's initiative) exchanged the new sculptures for the old ones and returned those to the individual artists," Prout said. On a related note, the 21 balancing sculptures hanging overhead in various city parks — such as Shoreline, Lions and Washington parks — remain in place. It's a sidebar project complementing the trust's outdoor sculpture exhibit. Placing an emphasis on public art Sculptures help fulfill an ongoing citywide public art initiative. In short, through a specific master plan, officials identify opportunities where such visuals make sense to improve certain areas. Beyond sculptures, these projects include murals, mosaics, illustrations, illumination displays, busts, paintings, photographs and abstract pieces. "The Sandusky public art master plan can help integrate and unite our community together through defining and projecting our signature to the world," according to a city statement. "Our plan will set the standard for how we begin to implement and enjoy public art while also celebrating our community's hospitality and artistic expressions." Scoping out the sculptures their sites and summaries 1. "Domino" at the parklet on East Adams Street, Hancock Street and Huron Avenue 2. "Pod Savers" at the Sandusky Library entrance off Columbus Avenue 3. "Daddylonglegs II" at West Park off Columbus Avenue and West Monroe Street 4. "The Bus Stop" at West Adams Street, Central Avenue and Decatur Street near Sandusky Schools' administrative offices 5. "A Sign of Love" at Jackson Street Pier 6. "Xuberant!" across from Grace Episcopal Church, 315 Wayne St. 7. "Sizzlin' Sun" at East Park off Columbus Avenue and East Monroe Street 8. "Zebra Herders II" in Huron Park at Huron Avenue and East Monroe Street