Public Art Vermilion, a program of Main Street Vermilion, has announced plans for a sculpture installation at the new Main Street Park in the historic downtown area.
The $30,000 project will stand as Vermilion’s third installation of public art in 40 years. It will be funded by Public Art Vermilion and its supporters, including Mayor Jim Forthofer, as well as Main Street Vermilion and a Destination Development Grant from Shores & Islands.
“To say that the PAV board of directors and those involved in this process are thrilled might be an understatement,” said PAV chair Marilou Suszko. “We’re proud of our efforts to advance a public art initiative in Vermilion.”
The sculpture comes from the mind of Scott Gross, an interdisciplinary artist from Shaker Heights, who was commissioned for the project from a field of qualified artists from all over the country. In addition to the design, Gross will also oversee the fabrication and installation of the piece.
“The design honors an important part of Vermilion’s nautical history and reflects three sails representative of the types of schooners built nearby on the Vermilion River between 1814 and 1870,” said Suszko. “Hence the name ‘Aboard.’ ”
Set for a premiere date of 2024, the new installation will grace the corner of Main and Huron streets. Each “sail” will be fabricated from Corten Steel, a weathering steel known for its strength and its ability to resist the corrosive effects of rain, snow, ice, fog and other weather conditions by forming an oxidized coating over the metal.
“Within about a year, the sculpture will form this barrier which inhibits rusts and negates the need for painting and costly rust-prevention maintenance over the years,” Suszko said. “Coincidentally, as one of our board members observed, the oxidation turns the steel color of vermillion, our namesake, a deep red and purplish hue.”
She added that the board is excited by the connection and that a bench will also be placed near the art that will invite guests to sit and enjoy the space.
The idea to add a piece of art to the community began taking shape in late 2020, Suszko said.
“PAV proposed that to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Main Street Vermilion’s service to the community and original piece of art should be gifted to the city,” she said. “We considered many location and artists throughout Vermilion, but we finally decided on Gross and Main Street Park as the perfect combo.”
Out of 23 applicants and the perspectives and opinions of 25 members, Suszko said the board felt that Gross’s proposal was unique to Vermilion and responded to what the board was looking for.
“I welcome this new piece of art to Main Street Beach and Park and believe this piece of public art supplements the view and has received the support of local residents,” Forthofer said. “As always, concern is public safety and I’m satisfied that measures taken by both the artist and the city will assure that the installation will meet requirements.”
