Ferris State University professor of Fine Arts and Artist-in-Residence Robert Barnum plans to tell the story of downtown Montague through a unique artistic expression.
The Arts Council of White Lake selected Barnum after he submitted a proposal as part of a competition it hosted. Barnum plans to construct an aluminum relief sculpture that he envisions as a creative, impelling and iconic representation of the area and one that will effectively tell the area’s story through art. He also wants this artwork to stand the test of time.
Barnum also likes that he can incorporate this project into an academic setting at Ferris that benefits students.
“This became a two-sided opportunity for me. I am able to bring real life art into the classroom and formulate a curriculum based on this project as well as create it,” said Barnum, who began to work with students at the start of the Spring 2011 semester to collaboratively develop prototypes and mounting ideas for the structure.
Barnum has indicated that the completed sculpture will be 15 feet by 40 feet. It will be mounted on the side of the White River Gallery as commissioned by ACWL. Including Barnum’s piece, White River Gallery will have three separate aluminum relief sculptures attached to the building.
With an April 30 deadline, Barnum is excited about the process that will turn his sketches into reality.
Barnum’s artwork is familiar to White Lake. Previously, he created a sculpture called “Swimming Upstream” that was unveiled in 2006 in the area.