COLDWATER, MI (WTVtB) – The Downtown Development Authority Board approved a pair of public art license agreements on Wednesday morning as part of the “Make Your Mark: Downtown Coldwater 2026” initiative.
The D.D.A.’s Design Committee selected a seven foot dandelion sculpture designed by Gregory Summers of Chicago that would be installed at the Henry L. Brown Municipal Building. The D.D.A. would lease it this year for $1,500.
The second sculpture approved was a 11-and-a-half foot tall giraffe designed by Goshen, Indiana artist Sunday Mahaja entitled “The Wanderer” at a one year lease of $3,000. It would be located between the benches across the street from the Tibbits Opera House.
Main Street Director Kristen Johnson said they are working on a license agreement for a third sculpture. It would be a caterpillar or snail designed by Cole Stiemsma of Schoolcraft that would be installed next to the turtle at the downtown Branch District Library.
It’s hoped all of the art will be ready for the Art After Hours event at the end of June. The funding for the projects was already in the D.D.A.’s budget.
Muralists and sculptors were invited to submit proposals for public art installations in high-visibility downtown locations.
The program aims to build on the success of 2025 projects that added sculptures and murals to enhance the area’s walkability and cultural vibrancy.
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