Downtown Art Walk - Fostoria, Ohio Preview

1

"Time"

"Time" by Michael Magnotta of East Lansing, Michigan is here as part of the 2024/2025 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit. It sits on Perry Street in front of the Fostoria Learning Center. Thie piece can be purchased for $11,000.

2

"Brainstorm"

By Pamela Reithmeier of Monclova, Ohio, "Brainstorm" is made of steel and penetrol. It stands 6' x 3.5' x 2'by the Fostoria Learning Center entrance at 342 Perry Street. This piece was on display in Fostoria through the 2020/2021 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit. Through the generosity of private donors, the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau received a donation to purchase this piece to remain in our community permanently.ARTIST STATEMENT: "I love to see people interact with my sculptures. Whether it is a nod of the head, a smile, or having their picture taken with my pieces; it does not matter as long as there is a connection in some way between the sculpture and the viewer. I have found I am drawn to making sculptures inspired by nature. I particularly enjoy the permanency and strength of steel and the mental and physical challenges that come with working in this medium."

3

"To Bee or Not to Bee II"

By Alex Mendez of Decatur, IN "To Bee or Not to Bee II" sits in front of the Kaubisch Memorial Public Library at 205 Perry Street. The piece is on display in Fostoria through the Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit through May 2025 and is available for purchase at $4800.

4

"Storytime"

Made of bronze, the sculpture entitled "Storytime" is placed permanently by the main entrance to the Kaubisch Memorial Public Library on Perry Street by the Spellerberg family in honor of their parents, David and Jeanne Spellerberg. Sitting on a bench is a young girl reading a Dr. Seuss story book to her cat. The book is open and text and pictures from the story are engraved inside. The sculpture was created by the National Heritage Collectors Society, which was founded by Fostoria native, David L. Spellerberg, Jr. It was dedicated on Mother's Day 2007.

5

"Promise to Flower"

Made of steel by Ric Leichliter of Sugar Grove, Ohio, "Promise to Flower" is 20" x 4' x 18' and sits next to the Kaubisch Memorial Public Library at the corner of Perry and Fremont Streets permanently. Promise to Flower was part of the 2018/2019 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit in Fostoria. The Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau received a personal donation from Greg and Lesa Mullins and a grant from The Gregory Mullins Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida to purchase the sculpture as a memorial to Greg's father, Mark Mullins. Mark was very active in the Fostoria community from 1967 through 1984, serving on various boards and was heavily involved in civic and charitable leadership roles before moving to Florida.ARTIST STATEMENT: "The teeter-totter of shifting polarities led me to a lifetime of spontaneous combustion. A natural connection to super heated metal, hammers and carving mallets seems a foregone conclusion. I have immersed myself in that grand cathedral we call the wild places. It is from there that I draw all inspiration whether it is studying the perfect symmetry of a leaf or the abstract forms created by the everchanging light and shadows."

6

Timothy Sulken DDS Tree

Dr. Timothy Sulken was so inspired by Richard Morgan's Tree of Life sculpture that is currently in front of Flippin’ Jimmy’s through the Midwest Sculpture Initiative 2021/2022 exhibit that he commissioned him to create his tree logo as an art piece for the side of his dental office building on South Main Street. We love that this piece creates a public art piece in our growing collection.

7

"Ohio Proud"

Muralist, Derek Brennan of Lakewood, Ohio created new life and brought color to downtown Fostoria with the addition of three murals over a period of three years.His first mural in Fostoria "Ohio Proud" brings attention to famous Ohio landmarks collaged together with local animals and local lifestyles. The artist's goal was to make color a priority in this piece and for people to be surprised when they travel around the corner and see the mural on the side of the building at 321 North Main Street. Commissioned by Dr. Timothy P. Sulken in 2016, this mural is a focal point for patients who visit the dental practice next door, which is now owned by Ryan S. Kinn, DMD.

8

"Outdoor Chimes, Two"

"Outdoor Chimes, Two" by Kenneth M. Thompson of Blissfield, Michigan is on display in front of the Ryan S. Kinn DMD parking lot at 320 North Main Street as part of the 2022/2023 Midwest Sculpture Initiative.Dr. Kinn purchased this piece to remain in its current location. Be sure to listen to the beautiful rich tone of the chimes on this sculpture, which is 7' tall. ARTIST STATEMENT: "I have always had a fascination with buildings and bridges, as well as the columns, posts, beams and arches that support them. I come to this world from a tradition of craftsmanship. I prefer to use materials that convey strength. I have always felt that good art should be well made and that there is no excuse for poor craftmanship. I see each sculpture as a 'clean sheet of paper' that presents new opportunities to discover solutions. Beyond content and suitability, my sculpture concentrates on the fundamental issues of form and how negative space defines it, as well as the techniques employed to create it."

9

"The Early Birds"

In 2018, the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau worked with muralist Derek Brennan to create "The Early Birds" mural that is located on the side of 304 North Main Street. The mural demonstrates the importance of shopping at local businesses and how the Fostoria Farmers' Market has been an important way for the community to do that. The whimsical and playful birds shopping reflect the friendly interactions and relationships that form when you get to know the business owners you are buying from. This mural also features a barn quilt in the design, which reflects our strong agribusiness footprint. The mural gives a nod to the Fostoria Garden Club, who had coordinated the Fostoria Farmers' Markets for many years, and to the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, who provided funding for this mural.

10

Barn Quilts at the Santa House

Barn Quilts at the Santa House - - The Fostoria Rail Preservation Society hosts Santa at The Depot at 128 W. North Street every December. Check out Santa's house, which features three lovely barn quilts! · On the front of the Santa House, the pattern is called "Broken Dishes"· On the east side of the Santa House, you'll see the "Georgetown Square" pattern.· On west side of the Santa House, check out "Stepping Stones".

11

LE&W Depot Barn Quilt

Check out the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society's barn quilt on the west side of the LE&W Depot at 128 W. North Street. We love the train in the design!

12

"Kaleido-Raffe"

"Kaleido-Raffe" by Metal Malfeasance of Rochester Hills, Michigan welcomes guests to the Geary Family YMCA located at 154 West Center. Brought here as part of the 2023/2024 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit, this sculpture measures 10' x 5' x 3'. A private donor provided funds for the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau to purchase this sculpture to remain in its current location permanently. ARTIST STATEMENT: With its slender neck arching towards the heavens, the gentle giants of the African savanna and woodlands symbolize the ability to see into the distant future and obtain what seems out of reach. This whimsical and colorful giraffe represents a bright and positive future. The graceful lines and colors of the sculpture reflect the sunlight in a rainbow of color as if the viewer is seeing a giraffe through a kaleidoscope.Click on the QR code on the left side of the sign by the sculpture for more information from this artist.

13

"Harp I"

"Harp I" by artist Mike Sohikian is made of steel, aluminum and wood, and measures 9' x 5'. It is located at the corner of E. North Street and N. Main Street. This kinetic sculpture was in Fostoria as part of the 2020/2021 Midwest Sculpture Initiative, however, through the generosity of private donors, this piece was purchased to remain here in our beautiful new parkette. Note: Watch and listen to the moving wind chimes in this interesting piece!ARTIST STATEMENT: A lifetime of love and appreciation of art has led this artist to acclaim as he has garnered numerous prestigious awards and recognition. He is best known for taking salvaged steel to new heights with impressive and innovative concepts.

14

Two Columns for Wendelin

Created by Kenneth M. Thompson, of Blissfield, Michigan, this sculpture was installed in May 2022. It was commissioned by the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau in collaboration with the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership with funding support from a Rural LISC Creative Placemaking Grant. The sculpture is inspiring in its own right, but is also special because of its historical significance to our community. It was created with I-beams that were salvaged from the St. Wendelin School property before it was razed in 2021 after closing in 2019.

15

Mosaic Wall at the Parkette

We are proud of this new piece of public art that was completed in downtown Fostoria in June 2021. This mosaic mural was funded by the Community Improvement Corporation of Fostoria with grant support from the Ohio Arts Council. Artist Vicki Murphy from Columbus, Ohio worked with over 50 community members to break and shape the tiles and then install and grout them onto this wall in The Parkette at the corner of North and Main Streets.

16

"Creatures of the Sky Arch"

"Creatures of the Sky Arch" was here as part of the 2019/2020 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit in Fostoria. The City of Fostoria received a grant from The Mennel Milling Community Improvement Fund of the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation to purchase this sculpture. It was moved to its current location at the corner of E. North and N. Main Streets in 2020 as a beautiful entry point to The Parkette. The sculpture spans 9'5" x 11' 3" x 3' 4" and was created in steel by sculptor Jim Gallucci of Greensboro, North Carolina.ARTIST STATEMENT: "Art is a physical manifestation of an idea or event that calls forth an emotional response from the viewer. It speaks to us and evokes a chord deep within us. Good art challenges us, can make us feel righteous, moves us, soothes us, and can bring us peace."

17

"American Rustic"

"American Rustic" by Todd Kime of Ottawa Hills, OH in installed at the Corner of Center and Main Street Intersections. This sculpture is here through May 2025 as part of Fostoria's 2024/2025 Midwest Sculpture Initiative display. The piece is made of steel and glass and is available for purchase at $6,000.

18

The Barn Quilts on Center

Fostorian's Patricia and Gary Brady painted and donated these 2' x 2' barn quilts that are displayed on Center Street.

19

"The Barn Quilts on Main"

Added in 2019, The Barn Quilts on Main is our tribute to barn quilt squares. Commissioned by the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau with grant funding, this barn quilt collage was created by Fostorians Bev and Dave Lang along with many community members in a new-fashioned "quilting bee". Many of the designs were chosen to show a unique aspect of Fostoria's history, including a schoolhouse, train depot, flowers and glass.

20

Bike Rack

This bicycle was a gift to Fostoria from the Leadership Seneca County Class of 2017 to promote bike riding. We think it fits in nicely with our community sculptures —and it functions as an actual bike rack, too!

21

Barn Quilt Mural at The UrbanWoody Brewery Stage

Check out our Barn Quilt Mural that was installed in June 2021 on the new UrbanWoody Brewery stage at the corner of East Tiffin and South Main Streets. This mural was funded by the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau through grant support from the Henry H. Geary, Jr. Memorial Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council. Many community members assisted in painting 2' x 2' barn quilt squares that were installed together to make this colorful mural in a popular greenspace in downtown Fostoria.

22

"Monarch"

Commissioned by the Fostoria Garden Club as a permanent gift to the City of Fostoria, "Monarch" was created by Pamela Reithmeier of Monclova, Ohio. It was installed at Market Square Park at the corner of East Tiffin and South Main Streets in May 2023. The plants in the landscaping were selected because of their butterfly-attracting qualities.

23

"Kaleidoscope Skies"

"Kaleidoscope Skies" by Gail Christofferson/Animal House Glass of Bowling Green, OH in installed in front of the BANKquet Hall, which is home to the Fostoria Community Arts Council. This sculpture is here through May 2025 as part of Fostoria's 2024/2025 Midwest Sculpture Initiative display. The piece is made of mosaic glass and is available for purchase at $15,000.

24

Copper Fire

Fostorian Toni Lucadello created "Copper Fire" with painted steel. It stands 4.5' tall on the Fostoria Municipal Lawn. It was purchased as a permanent piece by the Fostoria Community Arts Council with support through a grant from the Henry H. Geary, Jr. Memorial Foundation a few years ago.ARTIST STATEMENT: "Art can serve as a catalyst to explore new subjects. My motivation for creating sculptures and wall designs is based on science concepts ranging from biology to theoretical physics. The intent is that the science related titles of art would stimulate discussion and exploration, perhaps leading to new perspectives. Art and science both use the creative process of preparation, incubation, illumination and verification and therefore reinforce one another. Therefore, whether designing an art object or developing a science experiment, the creative process is activated."

25

"The Guardian of the Seasons"

"The Guardian of the Seasons" mural on the side of 301 South Main Street was finished by muralist Derek Brennan in 2017 to reflect growth and transformation and to mirror the many things the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation are doing to better the city and the lives of people in it. As Ohioans we truly get to see all the wonderful changes of the seasons which are showcased in the mural. Many times we might even experience all four seasons in a week! This mural features a barn quilt to signify the start to Fostoria's barn quilt trail initiative as we work to grow a connector trail through the city. The Greater Fostoria Community Foundation funded this mural, which was commissioned by the Community Improvement Corporation of Fostoria.

26

"Great Lakes"

“Great Lakes” was created by Maichael Magnotta of East Lansing,MI and is here as part of the 2024/2025 Midwest Sculpture Initiative. Made of steel and fused glass, it is available for purchase at $21,000.Click on the QR code on the left side of the sign by the sculpture for more information from this artist.

27

Barn Quilts at R Place

Three of our residents, Pat Brady, Bev Lang and Perry Gebauer, love painting barn quilt squares so they asked the ower of the R Place Bar & Grill if they could share some of their favorite pieces on the side of his building. We're glad he said "yes"! These six 4' x 4' barn quilts add a beautiful focal point at 324 South Main Street!

28

Compass at The Rail Park

This is one of Fostoria's newest barn quilts. It serves as a directional compass for visitors to the popular Iron Triangle Rail Park.

29

Blossom

The Good Shepherd Home received donations to purchase Blossom, which was displayed in downtown Fostoria as part of our 2021/2022 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit. We are glad they loved this Pamela Reithmeier sculpture enough to make it a permanent addition to their campus at 725 Columbus Ave. so that this lovely piece can remain in our community. Pamela resides in Monclova, Ohio and has quickly become a fan favorite through our participation in the sculpture initiative.

30

"The Tree of LIfe II"

"The Tree of Life II" by Richard Morgan of Wauseon, Ohio was on display in front of 118 West North Street as part of the 2021/2022 Midwest Sculpture Initiative. It measures 6’ x 6’ x 2’4”. The Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau received a grant from The Gregory Mullins Advised Fund of Northeast Florida to purchase this piece to remain in Fostoria permanently. It was recently moved to its permanent location at Gray Park.ARTIST STATEMENT: "The best thing is being able to create something out of nothing, and making people happy with my art, is the best thing about being an artist. My pieces have been constructed mostly with approximately 80% re-claimed materials."

31

"Eight Horse Wind Vane"

"Eight Horse Wind Vane" greets visitors to the Skate Park area of City Park on North Vine Street. By Mike Sohikian of Genoa, Ohio, this piece will be here through May 2025 as part of our 2024/2025 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit in Fostoria. It is available for purchase at $10,000.Click on the QR code on the left side of the sign by the sculpture for more information from this artist.

32

"Zebra Herder"

"Zebra Herder" is in Fostoria at the corner of East Summit and Countyline Streets as part of our 2024/2025 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit. Created by Mike Sohikian of Genoa, OH, this piece is made of steel and is available to purchase at $12,000.Click on the QR code on the left side of the sign by the sculpture for more information from this artist.

33

"Every Piece Has a Place"

Alex Mendez of Decatur, Indiana created this 4' x 1' x 7' sculpture that is called "Every Piece Has a Place". It was placed at the corner of West Summit and Countyline Streets as part of Fostoria's 2023/2024 Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibit. In early 2024, the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau received a grant from the Henry H. Geary Memorial Foundation to purchase this sculpture to remain here in Fostoria permanently.Click on the QR code on the left side of the sign by the sculpture for more information from this artist.

34

"Cosmicum Ovum"

"Cosmicum Ovum" by Joel Washing of Toledo, OH in installed in front of the Fostoria City Schools Administration Building Entrance. This sculpture is here through May 2025 as part of Fostoria's 2024/2025 Midwest Sculpture Initiative display. The piece is made of steel, rust patina, and is multicolored and is available for purchase at $7,700.