Sculptures & Statues

Art in Every Corner: Let Our Sculptures Tell You Their Stories

From whimsical sculptures to thought-provoking statues, these artworks add vibrancy and character to our streetscape, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore and appreciate the artistic tapestry of the area.

Installations are strategically placed to highlight our area’s stunning landscapes and vibrant downtown. Whether it's a sculpture nestled among wildflowers down a path less traveled or in the heart of downtown, each artwork enhances the natural beauty of Port Austin and invites contemplation and reflection.

Learn more about our Sculptures & Statues below.

Art Locations

Click the map below to view Sculpture & Statue locations on Google Maps from Greater Port Austin Arts & Placemaking.

  • Butterfly Donor Tree

    Commissioned courtesy of the Port Austin Lion’s Club to recognize donors who supported the installation of the Butterfly House.

    The sculpture features an array of butterfly shaped perforations along with the stamped names of the generous donors.

    Located at the Butterfly House & Garden

  • Circle of Trees

    Metal Sculpture fabricated by Steve Vaughan, Ironman Fabrication with powder coating provided by American Technical Fabricators.

    The sculpture blends a desire to highlight our part of a larger world with a grounding in the organic sense of place. Size is balanced with its fragility calling to mind the balance we face as humans.

    Located just west of the little shops at the Village Green

  • Fish Wave

    Stainless steel sculpture engineered, fabricated and erected by Weldall of Elkton. The massive stainless steel sculpture stands 9 ft above ground and 6 ft below.

    It’s strategically placed at the base of the break wall walkway where the Harbor and Veterans Park properties adjoin one another.

    Located between Veterans Waterfront Park and Port Austin State Harbor

  • Gridmen

    Metal sculptures fabricated by Steve Vaughan, Ironman Fabrication with powder coating provided by American Technical Fabricators.

    Originally conceived as part of a metal sculpture suite commissioned via a Thumb Area Partnership grant, the Grid Men quickly became interactive art installations covered with “love locks” - padlocks added by the public.

    Inspired by the Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris, France where the “love locks” idea first originated.

    Located on Lake Street at the entrance to the Village Green & Veterans Waterfront Park

  • The Deity

    The Deity is a therianthropic figure – part human, part animal – referencing ancient deities and mythology, while calling into question the figure’s origin and purpose in today’s context.

    Created by Hygienic Dress League (HDL), husband-and-wife visual artists Steve and Dorota Coy, and part of their second 53 North contribution.

    This installation is on private property. Please stay away from, and off of, the structures. Property owners are not responsible for personal injury.

    Located at Bird Creek Farms

  • Ode to the American Farmer

    This 14-foot-tall welded steel sculpture by Robert Sestok was completed in 1986.

    The idea was to make a structure that resembled farm equipment with an old plow attached to the top. This signified the struggle of the American Farmer." From the artist's website: "Early in my career, living and working in downtown Detroit, inspired my deconstructivist methods for creation art. The Cass Corridor art community of the 1970's of which I was a part of, used found objects and other non-traditional materials, tearing things apart and reconstructing them." An ode is an expressive lyrical poem, sometimes accompanied by music.

    Located at the Butterfly House & Garden

  • Rise

    Metal & Glass Sculpture

    A collaborative project that is based on a painting by Terry Boyle and was designed and fabricated by the Detroit Design Center, (Israel & Eric Nordin)

    Located on Center Street outside of the Little Yellow Cottages

  • St. Michael of Port Austin

    Bronze Statue by Thomas Donahue

    Made possible by a donation of Diane and Del Ruth

    Michael stands on a base featuring many symbols of the local landscape including shoreline rock formations, a harvested tree, and a stand of corn. The angel's outstretched wings are inspired be the Michigan sand hill crane.

    Located at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery

  • Wave Effect #1

    Metal Sculpture fabricated by Steve Vaughan, Ironman Fabrication with powder coating provided by American Technical Fabricators.

    Wave Effect #1 is a reflection on the circular nature of existence. It draws on morning sunrises and how water plays an absolute role in our lives.

    Located at the entrance to the State Harbor

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