Salinians Invited to Walk and Talk Art on the Sculpture Trail

Local art lovers will celebrate Saline's new public art displays during Saline Summerfest, Aug. 10-11.

The Saline Arts and Culture Commission will hold two events to introduce the Saline Sculpture Walk, a designated path throughout the city featuring 11 public art sculptures by four artists. The commission has created a colored brochure to guide art enthusiasts. The events are scheduled as part of the Saline Summerfest Activities.

On Friday, Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m., the commission will dedicate the Saline Sculpture Walk in Parking Lot #1, behind Benny’s Bakery. Scheduled speakers include Nancy Byers and artist Rick DeTroyer, who created Seats of Our Heritage, the public art/seating area on N. Ann Arbor St.

DeTroyer has loaned five additional sculptures to the city for the walk. Leslee Niethammer, Director of the Saline District Library, will speak about the sculptures located outside of the library entitled Little Readers, Lilacs, and A world To Teach, and Saline City Counci member David Rhoads will talk about the sculptures along Depot Trail. 

“I am honored to have had a major role to play in the establishment of the Depot Trail and the placement of two art pieces along its path,” said Rhoads. “I believe public art adds much to the ambience of a community and can be a delight to the beholder, especially when it is encountered in an unexpected place.” 

On Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11 a.m. the Walk and Talk Art event will begin at the Farmer’s Market, on South Ann Arbor St. in downtown Saline. This will be an artist-guided walk where participants will be encouraged to learn more about the works, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Sculptures are located in and near downtown, including the clay/bronze bust of Orange Risdon, created by Elizabeth Rogers and located at Saline City Hall.

Funding for the Saline Sculpture Walk brochure came from the grants provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Saline Economic Development Corporation.