COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – As part of the 2025 Main Street Public Art program, the Downtown Development Authority Board approved a tri-party agreement with the Coldwater Community School District and downtown building owner Ben Jewell on Wednesday morning for the installation of a gallery wall mural in the Tibbits Plaza.
Under terms of the agreement, the D.D.A. will work with the City of Coldwater to install appropriate mounting hardware on the north-facing exterior of Jewell’s building at 28 South Monroe Street. The D.D.A. will also assist with the installation and removal of the public art.
The cost is being offset by a sponsorship from the Coldwater Country Conference and Visitor’s Bureau.
Coldwater Community Schools, through its advanced art classes and National Art Honor Society, agreed to design and create original artwork to be displayed on an outdoor board in sizes determined by the D.D.A..
In addition, the D.D.A. Board approved an agreement with the artist who will paint the mural at the Children’s Museum of Branch County at 58 West Chicago. Rhiannan Sibbald Studio of Grand Rapids agreed to design and paint the mural on the west wall for $18,000 that will be paid in three installments of $6,000 apiece.
The Board also approved two sculptures and a small mural for the 2025 inaugural Art Program.
Courtney Clarke’s mural “Best One Ever” will be located at 25 West Chicago. The “Balanced Beams” sculpture by Gregory Mendez will be located in the Tibbits Plaza while the “Tortoise” sculpture by Cole Stiemsma will be in the southeast corner of the 4 Corners Park near the Branch District Library.
The downtown art project came about after respondents to last year’s Downtown Corridor and Public Amenity Survey identified public art as a top priority for improving the downtown area.
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