Walk Like a River

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Walk Like a River
ArtistPeter Flanary
Year2006
Typebronze and granite
LocationRiverside Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Coordinates43°4′7.092″N 87°53′22.464″W / 43.06863667°N 87.88957333°W / 43.06863667; -87.88957333
OwnerUrban Ecology Center

Walk Like a River is a public sculpture by Peter Flanary located at Riverside Park on the east side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Walk Like a River consists of three sculptures--Drop, Gather, and Flow--installed throughout the park.[1] The group of sculptures was commissioned by the Urban Ecology Center, a nonprofit organization.[2]

Description[edit]

The elements of Walk Like a River are made of open bronze cages filled with fist-sized glacial stones in a variety of natural shapes and colors. Drop is one large round form, Gather is five round forms of varying sizes stacked together, and Flow is shaped like a wave or squiggle with squared-off ends.

Historical information[edit]

The works are arrayed throughout the neighborhood portion of Riverside Park, creating a path between N. Oakland Avenue and the Urban Ecology Center. According to the Riverwest Currents, the Urban Ecology Center's goal was to install artwork that would create a pathway to its new building in the southwest corner of Riverside Park. The Milwaukee Arts Board, Murph Burke, and Mary L. Nohl Fund of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation contributed financial support to the project.[3]

Artist[edit]

Peter Flanary grew up in the Milwaukee area, and currently has a studio in Mineral Point, Wisconsin.[4] He was a part-time lecturer in the art department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison[5] His work frequently incorporates rocks and other environmental objects. His creation process is rarely direct. "He tries to grasp the space in its complexity and wants to create something that can be remarked on by people."[5] "He likes material and form and works to have his piece support and work in its environment, growing out of, rather than intruding into the landscape."[5]

Flanary's work is all over Wisconsin, including three pieces at the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Warren, Ellen (November 2006). "Walk Like a River: Sculptural Ensemble new Addition to Riverside Park". Riverwest Currents. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  2. ^ Lawson, Mark (November 2003). "New Public Art to Be Chosen for Urban Ecology Center Expansion Project". Riverwest Currents. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  3. ^ Lawson, Mark (January 2004). "Sculptors Commissioned to Create Public Art at Riverside Park". Riverwest Currents. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  4. ^ [1], Flanary website.
  5. ^ a b c [2], UW Madison.