Sculpture Parks Program
Through the inspiration of retired UW/Platteville Art Professor Jamie Ross and under the direction of Arts Mineral Point co-founder and sculptor Peter Flanery, we created a network of intimate "pocket" or "micro" parks. The parks would be within the downtown historic district, and their locations would create a walking tour. Visitors would be able to stroll past shops, galleries and restaurants as they travel from park to park.
“The mere existence of public art is a good reason to visit any place. The opportunity to create and display public art, is also a good reason for an artist to stay in that place.”
We currently have three sculptures displayed in prominent locations, all within the confines of the downtown historic district. The first is located at 310 High Street, next door to the historic Masonic Lodge and across the street from the Mineral Point post office. “Inland Sea Fowl” is a kinetic sculpture by local artist Evan Lewis. The land is owned by the city of Mineral Point.
The second sculpture is on Brewery Creek, across from the Walker House, on land owned by the Walker House. “Will Rust for Peace” is a sculpture of a bison and her calf, by Mineral Point artist Bill Grover.
Our third sculpture is is located at the NW corner of High and Commerce streets, on land owned by Dr. Aarron and Monica Dunn. “Shape Things Take” is a sculpture by artist Peter Flanary.
We have more plans to increase the size and scope of our sculpture initiative, with the goals of enhanced community engagement and tourism. If you are interested in showing your sculpture in Mineral Point, please click the link below.
We have more plans to increase the size and scope of our sculpture initiative, with the goals of enhanced community engagement and tourism. If you are interested in showing your sculpture in Mineral Point, please click the link below.
Available Sculpture
mild steel
Artist's Statement
These Bison represent one species of the many large Pleistocene mammals which lived on this continent before humans arrived.Their range covered not only the Great Plains but the Eastern seaboard and extended to this the Driftless Region of the upper Midwest.They likely ate and drank right here.
I designed them for friends who own the original pair. The construction was carried out at Sielaff Corporation here in Mineral Point.
They are made of mild steel and are intended to rust to a warm red color close to that of real Bison. They are approximately life size.
Artist Biography: Bill Grover
Most work throughout my career has been in three dimensions. As a child I spent many hours making stuff out of oil based clay.
Ceramics caught my attention at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and was my living for many years.
I love hand tools and contact with materials. Concrete sculpture, the creation of local monuments designed by school children and communities for public enjoyment, is a real pleasure for me.
These pieces are carelessly polished by kid’s shoes. Some are decorated seasonally.
I now assemble work out of many different materials. Wood is commonly the foundation and I add whatever draws me to finished product.
Welded steel is fairly new for me. I like its strength and airiness. It is very enticing.
This enthralling kinetic sculpture is a wonderful addition to AMP’s sculpture park program. Created from stainless steel, aluminum, and painted steel, it stands 15’ high x 9’10” wide x 4’6” deep.
