James T. Russell Sculpture

Sculpture selected to commemorate Lansing's 150th

A stainless steel ribbon stretching 20 feet above Lansing's riverfront may mark a midway point between the Lansing Center and Lansing City Market by next May.

A Lansing sesquicentennial committee today plans to release renderings of its $275,000 sculpture, which is a gift to the city.

Committee members are about 50 percent complete with raising funds to finance the sculpture, site preparation and engineering.

James Russell of Lomita, Calif., is the sculptor whose works already grace the landscapes of other cities across the nation.

"It's fascinating," Michael Harrison, president of the Lansing Sesquicentennial Foundation, said of the sculpture. "The committee was absolutely unanimous in its choice. It's just very uplifting. In fact, it's titled 'Inspiration.' "

He complimented the sculpture's shape, which shifts as one moves around the polished steel.

"It changes constantly," he said.

Lansing celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2009, and organizers knew they wanted to bookend the yearlong set of activities with a gift to the city and its residents.

According to Harrison, organizations such as the Dart Foundation, Lansing Rotary Foundation and Capital Region Community Foundation said from the start they'd like to donate specifically for a gift.

Developers, business representatives and members of the arts community were part of the committee that opted for a sculpture earlier this year.

Harrison would like "Inspiration" to be exactly that for other sculptors so that Lansing's riverfront can replicate Millennium Park in Chicago, where art and architecture adorn the downtown.

Some residents are looking forward to the sight of "Inspiration" in Lansing.

"That sounds really cool," said Chris Tucker, a city resident enjoying the sunshine Tuesday outside the City Market.

He envisioned the sculpture appearing on brochures and pamphlets advertising the charms of Lansing.