ArtsConnect applied for and received a grant from the Ohio Arts Council to install the township's very first sculpture. The sculpture will celebrate the life and legacy of the nationally recognized artist, Charley Harper, and will be installed at one of the busiest intersections in Hamilton County, Galbraith and Winton Roads. The space the sculpture will be installed will also receive a landscape makeover, with the support of a grant from the Springfield Township Community Improvement Corporation.
Charley Harper was a resident of Springfield Township for nearly fifty years. Celebrating his legacy in Springfield Township brings attention to the arts and the vibrancy the arts bring.
In January, ArtsConnect placed a Call to Artists to gather submissions from Ohio artists. Proposals were reviewed in February, and interviews with top candidates were held. ArtsConnect selected Micah Landers as the lead artist with Ohio-artist, Andy Finn as the assistant. Micha's design, titled "The Many Sides of Charley Harper," is a unique concept that will incorporate four Charley Harper artworks displayed in a three-dimensional sculpture .
604 votes were cast by the public to choose the four Harper works. The four images selected are among the most recognizable paintings and are the perfect symbols for our hometown of Springfield Township." Voters selected "Ladybug", the deer featured in Animals in America's National Parks - children's activity book, "Cardinal Closeup" and the "Cool Carnivore" tiger .
A digital component, created by ArtsConnect multi-media designer, Aharon Cagle will be included through a QR Code for further learning opportunities on this project, Charley Harper, Micah Landers and Springfield Township. An AR component will make the sculpture more engaging.
The community is invited to attend the dedication of the sculpture on October 8, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Township officials, Charley Harper's son Brett Harper, Micah Landers and ArtsConnect are expected to speak on the project. Participants will receive a commemorative keepsake, and can participate in an art project.
This project is made possible through the The Ohio Arts Council Arts Resilience Grant and a Neighborhood Enhancement Grant by the Springfield Township Community Improvement Corporation grant.