Sculptures May Be In Syracuse’s Future
Familiar with Nappanee’s apple sculptures or the Elkhart County elk sculptures? Well, something similar might be in store for Syracuse.
Jeff Stillson, an artist from Nappanee, visited the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s board meeting recently with a presentation about potentially bringing similar sculptures to the downtown area and in front of local businesses.
Stillson played an active role in bringing the giant apple structures to Nappanee. He noted for that project he acquired the support of the town of Nappanee and the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce before approaching area businesses to purchase the fiberglass apples that were painted by volunteer artists.
Four possible fiberglass sculptures that match Syracuse’s connection to the lakes were shown to chamber board members: a sailboat, leaping fish, frog and turtle. He noted additional molds could also be made if a different look was desired.
Syracuse could use the same process used in Nappanee, according to Stillson, or follow other methods, like using the art project as a fundraiser for the chamber or just placing a just few sculptures in key positions like downtown rather than in front of businesses.
The sculptures are pricey but include everything except the concrete base and artists. Each piece is automotive finished so the artwork is protected. Stillson stated many artists would probably be willing to volunteer and that Nappanee’s concrete bases had been donated.
“It’s been a really good project in Nappanee,” said Stillson, adding that people walk around and take photos with the apples, in addition to stopping at local businesses.
The chamber will give the sculpture project some thought to determine its role in it. It will also look at Syracuse’s ordinances to prevent potential conflicts.
In other chamber news:
- Dr. Lauren Warner — located at Dynamic Spine and Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse — joined the chamber as a member.
- Taste of Syracuse continues to be restructured. One suggestion was to hold it in conjunction with Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Oakwood Fine Arts Festival, Sept. 6.
- The chamber is seeking the donation of silent auction items for its annual awards banquet, Jan. 28. Invitations for the event have been sent with RSVPs already arriving.
- The Tour Des Lakes is on its way to becoming a separate entity from the chamber, Executive Director Tammy Cotton stated. She noted the plan is to have proceeds from the bike ride benefit the trails committee in the future.
- The chamber’s membership renewal drive is proceeding well with Cotton noting she has received many renewals.
Next chamber meeting will be at noon Wednesday, Feb. 5.