Brazilian artist Romero Britto said, “Art is too important not to share.”
Generous sponsors make it possible for new outdoor sculptures to be enjoyed every two years along Kenosha’s lakefront. The latest update to the outdoor sculptures for the Fifth Biennial Sculpture Walk – HarborPark occurred in mid-September. The sculptures on display will remain until September 2021.
Most of the sculptures are located along the promenade on the south side of HarborPark. Additional locations are near the Lighthouse at the Kenosha Water Utility, 100 51st Place, and Civic Center Park, 5600 Sheridan Road.
“The Sculpture Walk—HarborPark enhances the Kenosha lakefront and downtown area with temporary public art while supporting local and national artists,” Strohm said Natalie Strohm, Sculpture Walk project manager said. “It’s exciting to see the reaction of the visitors.”
Strohm thanked the City of Kenosha Public Works Department for its significant assistance in removing and installing the new sculptures.
The exhibition is made by possible by the generous support of sponsors. Among the returning sponsors are Snap-on Incorporated, Abatron Inc., Uline, Kenosha Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Kloss Foundation, the City of Kenosha, Dr. Clifford and Gladys Peterson, Mary Tunkieicz, and Patricia Petretti. John and Shawna Neal are new sponsors to the biennial exhibit.
Petretti, who, along with a group of like-minded Kenosha residents, founded the Arts Fund and started the work that made the Sculpture Walk possible.
“It has been my pleasure to be involved with Kenosha’s Sculpture Walk since the beginning 10 years ago. This endeavor has engendered enjoyment and support from our citizens and visitors alike. Bringing wonderful works of art to our already beautiful lakefront is a gratifying experience,” Petretti said.
Sculptor Bruce Niemi, who lives in the Village of Bristol, has had his work displayed in the Sculpture Walk. This year, Niemi has two works on display. They are Celestial Trio, located along the Promenade at HarborPark, and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Civic Center Park.
Niemi said the Sculpture Walk benefits the artists, the City, local businesses and the public.
“It is great exposure for the artists to have their work seen by thousands of people,” Niemi said. “It’s also an educational tool for everyone because it stimulates people viewing the work to think outside the box. Studies have shown that the arts are important for the growth and health of a community.”
Strohm said that not all of the sculptures have left Kenosha after the biennial exhibit. Several have been purchased and continue to be on display for permanent enjoyment across Kenosha County.
“It’s wonderful to see the love for public art growing from the Sculpture Walk out into the community,” she said.
The Sculpture Walk is listed among the top things to see in Kenosha. It receives a 4.5 review out of a 5-star rating system on the popular travel website Tripadvisor.com.
The Arts Fund is a component fund of the Kenosha Community Foundation. The Sculpture Walk is the major fundraising effort of the Arts Fund, which provides grants to local art initiatives.
For more information about the Sculpture Walk, email sculpturewalkHP@quorumarchitects.com or http://www.kenoshafoundation.org/grant-information/arts-fund/
By Jennie Tunkieicz.
Jennie is Chief of Staff of Kenosha County as well as a member of the Arts Fund, which organizes the Sculpture Walk in HarborPark.
(This story first appeared in the Downtown Kenosha magazine vol. 12, #4 fall/winter 2019 edition)
