Sculptures permanently in place

SANDUSKY — They truly sculpted something special. Debuting in 2022 as a temporary feature, the Lange Trust of the Sandusky Library along with other community partners worked with locals to recently place five new hanging overhead outdoor sculptures permanently on display throughout Sandusky. A dedication ceremony recently occurred for these art pieces, known as balancing sculptures, which included their unveiling. People can find: • One in Shoreline Park — "The Rower" • One at Mills Creek Golf Course — "The Golfer" • One in Lions Park — "Gymnast with Balls" • Two in Washington Park — "Gymnast with Sash" and "Charlie Chaplin" Sarah Prout, the Lange Trust's chairwoman filled in some blanks on this project: • The background: "The Kedziora Balancing Sculptures were brought to Sandusky by the Lange Trust of the Sandusky Library (in 2022) as a temporary exhibit. The city of Sandusky allowed us to place these public art pieces in various city parks. These hanging sculptures have been here for two years, and they (have now returned) to Poland." • The demand: "The sculptures were so popular that several volunteers in the community were inspired to raise funds to purchase sculptures to add to the permanent collection of public art in the city. Barb Hanck from the Sandusky Education Foundation led the fundraising efforts, assembling enough donations and grants to purchase five sculptures. The list of funders includes a Destination Development grant from Shores & Islands Ohio, support from the Sandusky Public Arts & Culture Commission and private donations." • The input: "A citywide poll in different locations and online was taken for the decision of which art pieces were to be newly commissioned from the artist. More than 500 people voted for their top five favorite sculptures, which led directly to the five that were purchased. These new pieces have arrived in Sandusky and (were recently) installed." Hanck, a volunteer with the foundation, then offered a primer on each piece: • "The Rower" — "'The Rower' was the No. 1 choice among community members who voted in our survey as we decided which sculptures to commission. The (prior) Rower is a male figure. Our new sculpture (is a) female." People can view the "The Rower" sculpture at Shoreline Park in Sandusky. • "Charlie Chaplin" — "This one is also different than the temporary Charlie Chaplin. He was on a ladder with a paintbrush and a cane. The cane fell off in the wind one day and landed in the paint can luckily, but the artist was not happy with the ladder, so we opted for a new Charlie Chaplin. The new one has a couple of balloons, whimsical and fun, and less likely to lose parts." People can view the "Charlie Chaplin" sculpture at Washington Park in Sandusky. • "The Golfer" — "Sarah sent the artist a photo of Isaac Mills to see if his face could be replicated for the sculpture. I didn't see the photo so I can't attest to the accuracy of the likeness, but the attempt was there, and (city recreation superintendent) Jason Werling has named him Isaac, and Isaac he is." People can view the "The Golfer" sculpture at Mills Creek Golf Course in Sandusky. • Gymnasts — "The 'Gymnast with Sash,' female, is just like the one from the temporary exhibit, as is the 'Gymnast with Balls,' male. She will be in Washington Park, and he will be in Lions Park." People can view the "Gymnast with Balls" sculpture at Lions Park in Sandusky. People can view the "Gymnast with Sash" sculpture at Washington Park in Sandusky.