Locked in for love

It seems natural to admire a piece of art that is a work in progress, especially when the artists finishing the piece are the patrons of the art you're creating. Read that again. It's a pretty neat formula. "Love Locks" is a privately commissioned sculpture brought to Sandusky by local developers Diane and Gary Ackerman. The iron piece features two interlocking, oversized hearts located beside J Bistro Downtown restaurant near Peddlers' Alley in downtown Sandusky. The Ackermans worked with local artist Jonathon Stanley, who created the piece. People can find the new "Love Locks" sculpture in beside J Bistro Downtown and Peddlers' Alley in downtown Sandusky. Register photo/ANDY OURIEL "We did this as a gift to the city and citizens," Diane Ackerman said. "If you look them up (other types of "Love Locks" displays), they are all around the world. People put their locks on them, and they are permanently there." A recent news article in the Register explained how patrons are finishing the piece by adding their own locks to it to symbolize the love they have for family and community. "The locks can be for parents, for children, for past loved ones, for friends and really anybody who you love and want to remember," said Diane. The locks commemorate an indestructible link that can't be unhitched. "Love Locks" represents an individual creation, separate from the Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit, abstract art pieces found on public property citywide. Though it does complement those pieces while helping to fulfill Sandusky's ongoing public art initiative. In short, officials identify opportunities where such visuals make sense to improve certain areas. This would include busts, murals, paintings and other projects. The Ackermans represent two leading entrepreneurs in ushering in a new renaissance across Sandusky, one marked by prosperity with new businesses, developments and other investments occurring over the past decade or so. "Love Locks" is a way for her and Gary to show their affection back to Sandusky and community members. "We love the city, and we love that block," Diane said. "Building something like this would help complete this block, and it would help people make memories and would give people one more reason to come downtown." Nice. Real nice.