List of public art in Fort Wayne, Indiana facts for kids
This article is about the amazing public art you can find outdoors in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Public art means artworks that are out in the open for everyone to see and enjoy. Most of these artworks are sculptures, which are 3D pieces of art. Sometimes, they are other types of art, like reliefs (sculptures carved into a flat surface).
Fort Wayne is home to many cool sculptures and art pieces. They tell stories about the city's history, honor important people, or simply add beauty to public spaces. Let's explore some of them!
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Famous Sculptures in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne has many sculptures that celebrate history and creativity. These pieces are often found in parks, near important buildings, or even at the zoo!
Honoring Important Figures
Many sculptures in Fort Wayne remember important people. These statues help us learn about history.
Abraham Lincoln: The Hoosier Youth
One famous sculpture is called Abraham Lincoln: The Hoosier Youth. It was made by Paul Manship in 1932. This large bronze sculpture shows a young Abraham Lincoln. It stands about 12 and a half feet tall! You can find it at the Lincoln National Corporation. It reminds us of Lincoln's early life in Indiana.
Anthony Wayne Monument
Another important statue is the Anthony Wayne Monument. George Etienne Ganiere created this bronze sculpture in 1918. It shows Anthony Wayne, a famous general. The statue is about 20 feet tall and is located in Freimann Square. It honors his role in Fort Wayne's history.
General Henry W. Lawton Monument
In Lakeside Park, you can see the General Henry W. Lawton Monument. This bronze sculpture was made around 1920 by Frederick Hibbard. It stands about 10 and a half feet tall. It honors General Henry W. Lawton, another important historical figure.
David N. Foster and Perry A. Randall
Two other bronze sculptures by Frederick Hibbard honor local figures. The David N. Foster sculpture (1922) is in Swinney Park. It's about 9 and a half feet tall. The Perry A. Randall sculpture (1916) is also in Swinney Park. These pieces help us remember people who shaped Fort Wayne.
The Luther Statue
At the Concordia Theological Seminary, there is The Luther Statue. Frederick Soetebier made this bronze sculpture in 1957. It's about 12 and a half feet tall. This statue honors Martin Luther, a key figure in history.
Art in Parks and Gardens
Fort Wayne's parks and gardens are great places to find public art. These artworks often connect with nature or provide a fun experience.
Cinderella
At the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, you can find a fun sculpture called Cinderella. Salin made this cast iron and painted sculpture in 1987. It's about 3 and a half feet tall. It adds a touch of magic to the conservatory.
Dancing Family
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo has a bronze sculpture called Dancing Family. Milton Hebald created it in 1970. This sculpture shows a family dancing together. It's about 60 inches tall and adds a playful feel to the zoo.
Animal Sculptures at the Zoo
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo also has other animal sculptures. Tom Tischler made a bronze Galapagos Tortoise in 1985. It's about 32 inches tall. Connie Phillips created two bronze sculptures in 1987: a Koala and a Platypus. These sculptures help visitors connect with the animals.
The Muse
Also at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is The Muse. Sufi Ahmad made this bronze sculpture in 1986. It's about 55 inches tall. It adds a touch of artistic inspiration to the beautiful gardens.
Abstract and Modern Art
Not all public art shows people or animals. Some pieces are abstract, meaning they use shapes and forms to express ideas.
Crossings
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art has a large steel sculpture called Crossings. David Evans Black created it in 1984. This huge sculpture is 18 feet tall, 30 feet wide, and 40 feet long, weighing 3 tons! It's an impressive example of modern art.
Quake
Another interesting piece at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art is Quake. Peter Forakis made this steel sculpture in 1982. It's about 10 and a half feet tall. Its unique shapes make you think about movement and balance.
Two Open Rectangles Eccentric Variation IV
At the Lincoln National Corporation, you can see Two Open Rectangles Eccentric Variation IV. George Rickey made this sculpture from stainless steel and aluminum in 1978. It's about 7 feet 11 inches tall. This abstract piece uses simple shapes to create a dynamic look.
LVII
Also at the Lincoln National Corporation is LVII by Bill Barrett, made in 1987. This aluminum sculpture is about 10 feet 3 inches tall. It's another example of how artists use shapes and materials to create interesting public art.
Religious Art in Public Spaces
Many churches and cemeteries in Fort Wayne feature beautiful religious sculptures. These pieces often depict important figures or scenes from religious stories.
Christ Holding a Chalice
At the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, you can see Christ Holding a Chalice. This limestone sculpture was made around 1950. It stands about 17 and a half feet tall.
Christ of Lewis Street
Another marble sculpture at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is Christ of Lewis Street. Vassano Clementi created it in 1938. It's about 9 feet 4 inches tall.
Jesus and the Little Children
St. John's Lutheran Church has an aluminum sculpture called Jesus and the Little Children. Marshall Fredericks made this piece in 1962. It's about 6 feet tall and shows Jesus with children.
Moses and St. Paul
At Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church, you can find sculptures of Moses and St. Paul. These limestone figures were made in 1925 and are about 6 feet tall.
Praying Hands
There are two Praying Hands sculptures in Fort Wayne cemeteries. One is in Covington Memorial Gardens (1980s, marble). The other is in Lindenwood Cemetery (1972, marble) by Pompeiian Studios. These sculptures are symbols of faith and peace.
Other Notable Artworks
Fort Wayne has many other interesting public art pieces.
Allen County Courthouse Art
The Allen County Courthouse has several important limestone sculptures and reliefs. Brentwood Tolan created many of these in 1902.
- Allen County Courthouse Reliefs are carvings on the building.
- Statues of Anthony Wayne, George Washington, John Allen, and Lafayette are also found there.
- On the dome of the courthouse, there's a copper sculpture called Liberty, also by Brentwood Tolan. It's about 13 feet 8 inches tall.
Civil War Monument
In Lawton Park, there is a Civil War Monument. Hamilton created this bronze sculpture in 1893. It's about 10 feet tall and honors those who fought in the Civil War.
Old Aqueduct Club Monument
Orff Park features the Old Aqueduct Club Monument. M.S. Mahurin made this limestone sculpture in 1923. It's about 6 feet tall and remembers the history of the Old Aqueduct Club.
Spirit of the American Doughboy
Memorial Park has a bronze sculpture called Spirit of the American Doughboy. E. M. Viquesney created it in 1920. It's about 7 feet tall and honors American soldiers from World War I.
Also in Memorial Park are two more bronze sculptures by E. M. Viquesney. The Spirit of Flight (1928) and The Spirit of the American Navy (1928) are both about 7 feet tall. They celebrate aviation and naval forces.
Lifestarts
At the Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, you can see a large stainless steel sculpture called Lifestarts. Eric Ernstberger created it in 1991. It's about 16 feet 4 inches tall and 33 and a half feet wide. It's a modern and impressive piece of art.
Wind Dancer
On Calhoun Street Transit/Pedestrian Mall, there is a metal sculpture called Wind Dancer. Yvonne Zalkowski Tofthagen made it in 1981. It's about 8 feet tall and moves with the wind.
Fort Wayne's public art collection shows the city's rich history, its connection to nature, and its appreciation for different art styles. Next time you're out and about in Fort Wayne, keep an eye out for these amazing artworks!
