From left are sculptor Andrew Tomasik with donor family representatives Tricia Rice and Hannah Rice.

WINONA LAKE — “Contemplative Seasons,” the first of three recently-added sculptures to the greenway known as Winona Lake Heritage Trail, was dedicated Tuesday afternoon, May 7. The sculpture, consisting of three ceramic columns, a decorative bench, and a concrete pad, is located on the Greenway extension just off Pierceton Road in Winona Lake, approximately behind Grace College’s Boyer dorm.

The dedication was attended by town staff, several members of the arts community, donor family members, Winona Art Commission members, and interested friends. Town Manager Craig Allebach began with some explanatory comments and introduced Rick Swaim, chair of the Winona Art Commission and current president of the Winona Lake Town Council.

In his remarks, Swaim explained the origin of the project several years ago, and the formation of the commission whose mission was to create and secure commemorative artwork along the new north extension of the Greenway.

Swaim introduced the sculptor, Andy Tomasik, a local art teacher, who explained that the “Contemplative Seasons” columns reflect on the experience of enjoying Winona Lake during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. He described the rhythmic pattern and movement that describes the constant flow and variable surface of the lake in all seasons except the tourist-popular summer season.

The Fall tower, Tomasik explained, represents the time of year when life slows down a bit and the vibrant colors of summer mellow and return to the earth. The Winter tower is characterized by less visual movement and a greater emphasis on neutral colors that capture winter’s quiet, peace, and stillness.  The Spring tower is the most energetic and signals a period of rebirth, growth and stretching out after along winter’s rest.

Also present and making brief remarks were members of the Tucker and Rice families, whose generous donation funded the artwork. Tricia Rice, speaking for the family, indicated that they had hoped to sponsor a piece along the original Greenway, some ten years ago, but that opportunity did not materialize. After reading that donors were being sought for this round of artwork, the family responded, and the accompanying bench where hikers can rest carries the inscription “Dedicated to the Tucker and Rice Family.”

Members of the Winona Art Commission who directed the project included Swaim as chairman, Joy Lohse, Al Disbro, Amanda Banks, Martha Beeson, Retha Hicks, and Terry White.

Two more sculptures will be dedicated on successive Tuesdays at 4 p.m. The May 14 dedication, which will occur down closer to the joining bridge near the Chicago Boys Club trailhead, will feature a kinetic sculpture reminiscent of “The Winona Queen,” an excursion boat that plied the waters of Winona Lake for many years. A final sculpture, an eternal metal flame symbolizing the ministry of the town’s most famous resident, evangelist Billy Sunday, will be dedicated on Tuesday, May 21 at 4 p.m. just off the Miller Athletic Field complex behind the softball field. Fort Wayne sculptor Ben Solee is the artist for the remaining two pieces.

Swaim noted that one other piece of artwork has been conceptualized but is yet unfunded. A tribute to the Miami and Potawatomi native Americans who occupied the shores of Winona Lake prior to the coming of the first white settler in 1836, is still available. Anyone interested in funding the piece should contact Rick Swaim through the Winona Lake town office.

In his closing remarks, Allebach noted that permanent explanatory plaques will be erected by each of the sculptures, and each will be tied into the cellphone network that exists throughout the Greenway system. By dialing a cellphone number and entering a short code, visitors may listen to an explanation of the artwork and gain a fuller understanding of the artists’ thinking in creating the pieces.

The art commission continues to work on future artwork for the projected roundabout at the Winona Lake stoplight and at the trailhead for the Chicago Boys Club. Visitors and art lovers are welcome to attend each of the upcoming Tuesday afternoon dedications.