There will be plenty of opportunity for “posing” with a Seward Johnson life-size sculptures, like the one pictured, when the unique display is brought to downtown Warsaw this year. The sculptures will be on display from June through September. (Photo provided)

The Lakeland Art Association is partnering with the city of Warsaw to bring a collection of life-size Seward Johnson sculptures to the community from June through September. The deadline to join the exclusive list of sponsors is Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Lakeland Art Association members and the planning committee say the number of sponsors and the totals from fundraising results will determine how many sculptures can be leased from the Seward Johnson Foundation for the display this summer.

To date, the committee has master sponsors for 14 sculptures, with a goal of 20. The Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission is sponsoring two sculptures. Commission member Jo Paczkowski stated, “The Commission is very excited to be a part of this unique project and thinks it will be a fantastic summer exhibit to draw visitors and local residents alike to Downtown Warsaw.”

Businesses, families and individuals are invited to be a part of this new event designed to not only increase tourism, but also serve as a means to further the visual arts and inspire creativity for local artists and residents. The number of sculptures displayed in downtown Warsaw will depend on the success of fundraising efforts. A list of all sponsors at the various levels is available on the city of Warsaw website.

A Master Donor Board will be displayed in downtown Warsaw during the four-month exhibit. Donors will be listed on the city’s website and in the exhibit brochure which will include a map showing the location of each sculpture, and will be available at many area businesses.

All of the sculptures for the Walk-n-Wander Warsaw public art exhibit will be located within walking distance of Warsaw’s Courthouse Square to form a free “outdoor urban gallery.” Many of Seward Johnson’s life-size bronze figures portray people engaged in everyday activities, reflecting his sense of humor and affection for people. 

The exhibit will kick off at Warsaw’s June 6 First Friday and will include a patriotic program by the American Legion and VFW commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day at the end of World War II. Each First Friday in 2014 will focus around The Arts, with different performances and activities featured each month.

More information and a sponsorship form are available on the city’s website. To become a sponsor, contact one of the following committee members by Wednesday, Jan. 15: Darla McCammon (Lakeland Art Association), 574-527-4044, [email protected]; Michelle Bormet (Mayor’s Office), 574-372-9595, [email protected], or Paula Bowman (First Friday Coordinator), 574-376-0233, [email protected].