Harrison Township Beautification Commission Sculpture Donation Program

The Harrison Township Beautification Commission started researching the possibilities of bringing some permanent art to our community in 2014. The goal would be a selection of sculptures in specific township locations that anyone could donate individually or in union with a few donors. Donors’ names would be honored on a plaque at the sculpture site at certain levels of giving.

Public sculptures are not only beautiful, but also raise the pride and culture of the area for residents and visitors. We viewed the works of several area sculptors, and asked them to consider what public sculptures might look like in our community with its unique natural resources. Harrison Township is a coastal jewel, steeped in wildlife and natural habitats that are special. We wanted sculptors who understood this and were able to interpret the beauty of our township, and our revered cohesive community. We found this artistry and sensitivity in Erik and Israel Nordin.

The Nordin brothers are incredibly talented Michigan artists. They have many years of experience in creating special sculptures for unique places that tell a story through art. Their works can be found in Royal Oak, Bay City, Brighton, Dearborn, and on their website at www.detroitdesigncenter.com. The Nordin brothers have made a special effort to lift the culture of Downtown Detroit by creating the amazing Detroit Ddrop for New Year’s Eve, and the stunning Detroit Menorah. Their works can also be seen in Compuware, Henry Ford Hospital, Sinai Grace Hospital, The Whitney Restaurant, and so much more. The Nordin’s toured our township and identified some great sites on out bike path and in our parks where sculptures would be highlighted by natural backdrops. Erik and Israel created sculpture sketches and superimposed them on pictures of the selected sites. A beautifully compiled book of those pictures and flyers about the donation program have been placed for public viewing at the Harrison Township Offices at 38151 L’Anse Creuse. There is an amazing Signature Sculpture designed for our township entry at the 16 Mile and Crocker area, and more on the bike path, at Waterfront Park, William Tucker Park, and more.

The Harrison Township Economic Development Corporation has partnered with the Beautification Commission by hosting the Nordin brothers as speakers at their spring “Meet & Greet” being held at the Gowanie Golf Club Banquet Center. Their goal is to inform Harrison Township business owners about the signature sculpture specifically, and how they can help as a group dedicated to their community. The EDC works to unify the community, and saw a unique opportunity to work together to towards of a common goal of raising our area’s culture.

Would you like to be a part of the future of our great community? Do you have a special person you would like to honor, or an event in your life you would like to mark? What an amazing legacy a sculpture would be…beautiful and lasting in this community where you love to live, visit, work, or play. Take the steps to making your tax deductible donation a reality today by calling Sue Keehn of the Beautification Commission at 586-242-3868. Be a part of the future.

Author: capthook

Greg Davies is a life-long resident of Harrison Township, MI. At the age on one, my family moved from Detroit, Mi to my first home just a few streets down on Jefferson from Metropolitan Beach. It was a dream location to grow up with the lake and all of the activities a kid and even a grown-up could enjoy. Although it has changed a lot over the years, it is still a quaint community with the right kind of people in it.

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