A 20 foot tall crystalline sculpture inspired by Columbus makers is coming to the Short North this week.
Located at West Hubbard Avenue and High Street, the new sculpture installation by Ohio-born artist Mark Reigelman titled “The Makers Monument,” is decorated with the shapes of items that have been made in Columbus throughout its history.
At nearly half a million dollars, the piece is “the largest single investment in public art in the City of Columbus’ history,” according to the Short North Arts District. The sculpture was funded by the City of Columbus’ Capital Budget with contributions from property owners in the Short North Special Improvement District.
The work was planned in conjunction with High Street’s recently completed $35 million streetscape renovation.
“With the Short North Arts District as the art and soul of our city, there is no better place to showcase such a stunning accomplishment honoring entrepreneurs than on High Street,” said Betsy Pandora, executive director of the Short North Alliance.
Reigelman says the piece memorializes High Street’s position as a maker hub. He also notes how light will shine through the piece and create shadows that will shift throughout the day, which is meant to highlight the “vibrant” activity in the area.
The piece features interlocking cutouts ranging from rocking horses to axes to whistles.
“From the region’s indigenous earthworks dating back thousands of years to the sprawling network of navigable canals and railroads developed throughout the 19th century, Columbus’ tradition of making and manufacturing is embedded within the city’s historical and topographical memory,” said Reigelman. “The Makers Monument invites viewers to investigate its steel latticework, considering the puzzle of objects that influenced the region’s handcrafted lineage and its current practices of making.”
Installation of the sculpture will begin Tuesday, June 22, and is expected to be completed in July. The Short North Alliance is set to host a number of dedication events during Gallery Hop on Saturday, Aug. 7.
Visit shortnorth.org for more info.