Downtown Art Project to Reflect Saline's Heritage

City officials hope a new public art project approved for North Ann Arbor Street is the first of many for downtown .

At Monday’s meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the public art project that had been presented by Saline Arts & Culture Committee members Lynne Friman and Terri Sibo-Koenig.

The art will include a sculpture of an arch, featuring “found objects” reflecting Saline’s composition and history, as well as a bench of tractor seats, which is a hat tip to Saline’s rich agricultural heritage. The seating, sign holder and arch will be created by Chelsea-area artist Rick Detroyer. The porcelain text panel work will be done by Fireform graphics.

“We think it’s exciting. It brings forward the character of the city. Hopefully it will be the first of many public art and seating displays,” Friman said of the project, which is to be located near the parking lot across the street from the Drowsy Parrot.

Sibo-Koenig, who is also a member of the Saline Downtown Merchants Association board, said downtown businesses are behind the project.

“This process has been long coming and there have been many starts and stops along the way,” Sibo-Koenig said. “We think it’s going to enhance the downtown area and create a new gathering spot.”

The $12,750 project will be funded by Saline’s Economic Development Corp., money from the Tax Incremental Finance Authority, donations and in-kind services. A $1,900 grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs also helps make the project possible.

The work should be completed in time for the Harvest of Arts festival in September.

Mayor Gretchen Driskell and council members praised the project.

Councilwoman Linda TerHaar said the project fits well with existing displays at the library and historic depot.

“I believe that we will surprise downtown residents and visitors with this celebration of art,” TerHaar said.

Councilmen Pat Ivey, David Rhoads and Dean Girbach all said that the final project was the best of the ideas they’d seen.

“I’d like to compliment the members on the Arts & Culture Committee for continuing work to refine this proposal. I think use of tractor seats is a great idea and is a great salute to Saline’s agricultural heritage,” Rhoads said.

Driskell also thanked the committee and said she hoped that this project would spur similar developments downtown.

Sibo-Koenig said more art is in the works.

“We’re working in collaboration with Rick Detroyer, who has generously offered to display four or five more sculptures in Saline,” she said.

“At no cost,” Friman added.

Sibo-Koenig said there would be more details about future art projects at a later date.