The latest in a series of public sculpture in South Haven's historic downtown district is called "A Moment of Joy"—created by metal artist and South Haven native Lou Rodriquez. The piece is part of the South Haven Center for the Arts' Grow Your Own Sculpture program. "A Moment of Joy" was installed on Phoenix St. in front of Clementine's this spring for permanent display.
From left, South Haven Center for the Arts Executive Director Kerry Hagy, South Haven Center for the Arts Board President Paul Hix, and artist Lou Rogriquez; "A Moment of Joy"; Hummingbird's-eye view of "A Moment of Joy" at Clementine's, 500 Phoenix St., South Haven
Growing up in South Haven, Lou entered many art competitions and then began creating movie props and costumes. He took part in a local ice carving contest in 2009, and the experience sparked an interest in sculpture. A welder and steel fabricator at RCI Adventure Products in Holland, Michigan, Lou transitioned from ice to steel and fabricated his first piece, “A Dragon for Jonas,” in 2010. The piece finished in the top 25 at ArtPrize—an international public art competition held every two years in Grand Rapids, Mich. Learn more about Lou.
In the Studio With Lou
Lou transformed 400 pounds of steel into a graceful spring sight, using color-shifting paints that shift from green to purple to blue depending on the viewing angle. “It reminds me of the iridescent quality of hummingbirds in nature.”
Soon to be transformed into a colorful feast for the hummingbird
Installation
With the help of the South Haven Department of Public Works, Lou and friends installed "A Moment of Joy" in front of Clem's on a cold day, with birds chirping and a hint of spring in the air.
Paul Hix of the Edward Jones Office of Paul Hix in South Haven watching the installation. Paul and Michael Morey titled the sculpture and donated "A Moment of Joy" to the City of South Haven for permanent display.
“A Moment of Joy” is one of five sculptures that received seed funding from the South Haven Downtown Development Authority through the South Haven Center for the Arts Grow Your Own Sculpture program. Artists click here for details about Grow Your Own Sculpture Requests for Proposal.
Sculptures can be donated to the City of South Haven through a tax deductible donation that supports the artist. The art center asks anyone who is interested in donating a sculpture for permanent display to please email info@southhavenarts.org. See sculptures that are still available for donation.
The Grow Your Own Sculpture program is made possible by the South Haven Downtown Development Authority.
Donation to help the art center continue this tradition of public sculpture in South Haven.