public art!
We believe that public art sparks interest.
From there, education turns interest into knowledge. From knowledge grows appreciation; from appreciation blooms a personal relationship. From such a relationship, a profound commitment to ecological conservation has the space to grow.
Check out our public art initiatives below!
FISH PROJECT!
50 Michigan Artists — Grand Rapids, MI — 2024
These 50 fish species are all native or naturalized to the Grand River.
Painted on wooden board and cut to the shape of the final fish, each piece is about 3 feet long.
Completed by 50 different Michigan artists for 2024’s Pleasant Peninsula!
Black Buffalo
Caleb Obet
Bigmouth Shiner
Katherine Brewer
Walleye
Max Wheeler
Gizzard Shad
Tania Parsons
Chain Pickerel
YaYa Chacon
Muskellunge
Flathead Catfish
Cole Schield
Logperch
Rainbow Smelt
Bobby Phillips
2024 Public Art Series
5 Murals — 5 Educators — 5 Artists
These 5 murals are collaborations between local muralists & environmentalists. Each artist was paired with an educator to develop a mural design informed by ecologic research.
Gadatonic x Land Conservancy of West Michigan
Jamie John x Chippewa Watershed Conservancy
Olivia Mendoza x Blandford Nature Center
Thiago Porraz x Lauren Reynolds
Dania Grevengoed x Carrier Creek Native Plant Project
“Look About You!”
Son Visual — Grand Rapids, MI — 2023
This mural, installed along the banks of the Grand River, draws inspiration from Michigan's rich ecological heritage. The central human figure, emerging from the water, symbolizes human interconnectedness with natural freshwater sources. Surrounding the figure are native flora and fauna, including keystone river species like the belted kingfisher and largemouth bass, illustrating biodiversity in the Grand River ecosystem. Also featured are the Michigan state bird (the robin) and the state flower (the apple blossom), celebrating our state's unique ecological landscape.
“Seeking a Pleasant Peninsula!”
Son Visual — Grand Rapids, MI — 2022
By highlighting Michigan’s ecology in the midst of one of our primary urban centers, this mural engages viewers who may not otherwise get the chance to experience Michigan’s natural wonders. The design functions as a spotting guide for some of our native wildlife (brook trout, lake sturgeon, common loon, morels, turkey tail, white pine), while also subtly referencing our ever-changing (and currently receding) shoreline.