THE HART PROJECT “Putting the art in H'art”

 

Background:

The Hart Project is a group of artists and art enthusiasts dedicated to bringing public art to Hart. The goal is to transform Downtown Hart into a walkable art tour featuring sculptures, murals, living art, poetry, and various art installations. 

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OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS:

• SCULPTURE COMMISSION:  Solar Tree Sculpture with USB Charging Station

• SCULPTURE COMMISSION:  Large Troll Fishing on the Bank of Hart Lake

• FALL ARTWALK:  Featured Artists Wanted

More Info

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CURRENT DOWNTON ART INSTALLATIONS:

• THE TIN MAN (an original 24-ft sculpture created by 5-time Artprize artist, Bill Secunda.  Representing the Tin Man from "The Wizard of Oz", this sculpture is associated with labor and care, needing a heart (which he found in Hart, MI). He symbolizes the care and effort our farmers put into their work and land, emphasizing the emotional and physical investment in agriculture.

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• INTERACTIVE CHIMES INSTALLATION - located near the Tin Man, these interactive oversized chimes encourage people to engage with them, fostering a sense of community and interaction among residents.  Enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, the chimes symbolize inclusivity and accessibility. They provide a way for everyone in the community to participate in a shared activity, emphasizing Hart's value placed on inclusiveness.

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• MIGRATION OF THE HART MURAL - this 40-ft mural hand-painted by artist Hugo Claudin, displayed on an exterior wall downtown, is a heartfelt tribute to the immigrant workers and migrant families whose dedication and hard work have been instrumental in transforming Oceana County into a prosperous agricultural hub. This mural celebrates the cultural diversity, resilience, and contributions of these essential community members.  Scenes of thriving intergenerational families, a father and daughter dancing, and cultivating new crops are a hopeful vision of the future, where the fruits of today's laborers continue to grow and nourish the community. The vibrant, hopeful colors symbolize a future of prosperity, unity, and continued growth.

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• STARRY NIGHT OUTDOOR PAINTING - created by local artist Gale Zeiger, this large-scale painting of Van Gough's Starry Night hangs on a wall behind LaProbadita's rear outdoor dining area/parking lot.

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• LA PROBADITA RESTAURANT'S WALL MURALS - local artist Gale Zeiger has captured the vibrant and rich culture of Mexico in her original painting along the back entrance of LaProbadita's restaurant.  Gale used bright, bold colors in a geometric pattern to represent traditional Mexican textiles.  

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• OUTDOOR PHOTO EXHIBIT - A rotating photo exhibit is on display at Pocket Park, June - October showcasing themed, juried photos from local photographers.

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• THE BATTLEFIELD CROSS - a silhouette display of three soldiers honoring fallen comrades by kneeling at a Battlefield Cross, a symbolic memorial marker placed on a battlefield or base camp for a fallen soldier.  The Battlefield Cross, a weapon placed in sandbags with dog tags and a helmet hung on it serves as a symbol for each soldier lost.  Soldiers would come forward and either kneel or touch the helmet; it was a symbol of closure on the battlefield.

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• HARTPRIZE MURAL - three 4-ft x 4-ft murals depicting Oceana County are displayed on the exterior wall of LaProbadita Restaurant. 

  • Artist Jimmy Cobb placed 1st with his mural titled, "Cyclists", a whimsical depiction of the Hart Montage Bicycle Trail and its attraction to cyclists alike who appreciate the scenery of mid-northern Michigan. Cobb states that, as a cyclist and painter, he not only enjoys the activity of cycling but also the captivating abstractions that arise between the cyclist and the environment. This abstraction leads to calming nature, one that includes humans as part of its environment all while recalling the beauty of our outdoor state. 

  • Artist Monica Crothers placed 2nd with her mural titled, "Love of the Hart- The Artist- Grows the Garden", a watering can pouring hearts of love as the opposite hand holds a paintbrush that paints the garden with the love those hearts carry. The sun shines down bright illuminating the colors of the garden, peeking behind the tiny broken brick wall that represents the years of past that linger amongst the soil from which the flowers bloom.  

  • Artist Alan Moul placed 3rd with his mural titled, "Oceana Thriving", a painting that represents our community and area with its natural beauty in both agriculture and tourism.  One hand represents a Caucasian hand and one represents a Hispanic hand, together holding Oceana County and our future as we learn about each other and celebrate life together.  We have a great community and future as we strive to build a great place for the coming generations.

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In addition to the public art installments, the Hart Project group will host its third annual Art Walk in the fall of 2024 downtown with artists showcased inside downtown businesses for a meet and greet & viewing of their original art.  

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JOIN THE DISCUSSION - everyone is welcome!

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Next Meeting:

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TBA

City of Hart Community Center

407 S State St

Hart, MI  49420

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM