A whimsical peacock on McEwan Street. A sculpted sparrow outside a restaurant. Phoenix Rising near the bank. All are sculptures that have been spotted around the north-western Lower Michigan community of Clare as part of The Clare County Arts Council’s Destination Clare: Art Sculpture Walk.
For two years, the council solicited entries after a local artist suggested the idea. Ten sculptures are selected annually for temporary placement around town, with creators receiving cash awards. The council has purchased a few to remain permanently. “It’s good exposure for the community, the high school kids, or anybody to see different art,” says arts council President Carol Santini.
The project was awarded the Innovative Tourism Collaboration Award at the 2023 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
