The Jordan Art Walk began as a “Covid-19 Project” in August of 2020 and was officially dedicated with a program and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Each artist cut a ribbon at their sculpture with their sponsors holding the ribbon on June 16th, 2021. The idea of such a “walk” or “park” filled with sculptures had been discussed several years prior but was shelved when the “Great Recession” hit. The idea resurfaced in the Summer of 2020 and a committee was formed with representatives from the Friends of the Jordan, East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce, Jordan River Arts Council, City of East Jordan, and Active Recovery Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab. The collaboration and the scope of the project quickly gathered community and regional support and sponsorships.
Besides giving individuals a chance to get outside, exercise, and enjoy the natural beauty and spectacular creations, the Jordan Art Walk allows the artists to showcase their work and offer it for sale. Each sculpture is on display for three years. If they are sold during the three-year period, the artist must replace them with another piece. Annually, six to seven sculptures will be added. The length of the walk (currently 711 steps) and placement of the art will extend throughout the community as a walking tour. It is the wish of the committee members and sponsors that this artistic attraction will serve as an economic asset to local businesses.
The Jordan Art Walk will annually add one student sculpture created by a local student artist. The Art Walk opened with one student sculpture. East Jordan graduate Alexandria Carlington’s “Down By The Marsh” is located in Memorial Park and is offered for sale.
The largest sculpture, created by renowned artist, Juan Luna, weighs 2.5 tons! It was delivered and placed on its cement pad with a boom truck! “A Cast Legacy 2021” was a gift to the community from PADNOS.
Onaway resident, well-known sculptor, and instructor Ann Gildner has two of her creations on display and for sale. “Millie” sits near the Jordan River in Sportsman’s Park and her “Gone Fishing” sits strategically next to the City Marina in Memorial Park.
The amazing kinetic sculpture “Moon Gulls” created by well-known Michigan artist Steve Anderson captivates walkers, boaters, and drivers. The sculpture is also a gift to the community from the Jordan River Arts Council. It will be on display for three years in its current location and relocated to another area downtown.
Leanne Schnepp’s bear “Symbiosis” has “eyes for you”, located in Sportman’s Park. This is a very unique creation composed of a variety of mediums including wood, steel, tinfoil, cement, PalTiya, and cement paint. Symbiosis is for sale by the artist.
A fifth-generation family member of the Malpass Family, Tina Malpass, and grandson Evan Themm combined their talents to create “Peal and Repeal”. Be sure to make some “music” on this hands-on, repurposed sculpture that sits in front of Engine #6 in Sportman’s Park.
Explore Sculptures and Artists
Each sculpture is sponsored and the artist receives a stipend to help with material costs and transportation to the display location. Each sculpture sits on a cement pad and has a nameplate provided. The remaining sponsorship funds help with the Jordan Art Walk signage and cement pad costs. Anyone interested in sponsoring a sculpture, please contact Mary H. Faculak at the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce (231-536-7351 or info@ejchamber.org) for information.
Phase II of the Jordan Art Walk will be officially dedicated on June 15th, 2022, at 11:00 AM beginning in Memorial Park. Once again, artists and their sponsors will cut a ribbon at their sculptures. A reception and program will be held prior to the cuttings at 10:30 AM in the Memorial Park Bandshell.
Hold our brochure in your hands as you navigate the path between sculptures. The distance between each sculpture is noted in both distance and steps. Walk the full path from A to G and travel 1,776 feet (that’s equal to 1/3 mile)!
9&10 News came back to the Art Walk to help celebrate our second year and to help us welcome 7 new sculptures!
Yes, we caught the attention of 9&10 News! We were interviewed on June 16, 2021 after the celebration of our ribbon-cutting ceremony. Watch the interview with Mary Faculak to see footage of the ceremony, as well as sculptor Juan Luna and Jason Padnos at the site of “A Cast Legacy 2021”, donated by PADNOS.
Babs Young – Jordan River Arts Council Co-President
John Hunter – East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Board
Jaleesa O’Neal – Active Recovery Founder and Physical Therapist, East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Member
Mary Faculak – East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce President
Nancy Carey – Jordan River Arts Council Board, East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Board
Rich Dietrich – Friends of Jordan River Watershed President
Tom Cannon – City of East Jordan Administrator