DDL unveils downtown artwork

LANCASTER – Fairfield Christian Academy freshman Jessica Weaver said she didn't expect the sculpture she helped design to be displayed downtown for the next year.

But "Melodic Memories" will be on public display with four other pieces downtown, which were unveiled Thursday as part of Destination Downtown Lancaster public art program.

"I had an idea of doing different people playing instruments," Weaver said. "And then Zack McCarty had an idea of making the base of it. So we mixed those two together and we made our design."

Also unveiled were Millersport's "The Kernel Queen," Lancaster's "Rebirth," Fisher Catholic's "The Torch of Hope" and Blue Shoe Arts' unnamed community collaboration work. All but the Blue Shoe Arts piece are at Fountain Square at Broad and Main streets. The Blue Shoe work is on Main Street near the Ohio Glass Museum.

The students worked with local sculptor Ric Leichliter in producing their work for the annual show. They give him the designs,which he helps turn into pieces of art.

"They did a great job," he said. "We had some color added this year to two pieces. They're all very engaged in the projects and came up with a lot of other models and ideas for sculptures that worked. But each school votes on the one that they think they want to build."

FCA art teacher Bobbi McKinnon said it's a great experience for students to work with someone the caliber of Leichliter.

"He comes in and works with the students on the design so that they get the proportion correct," she said. "Ric has his input of what works and what doesn't work. So it's a great problem-solving skill for them to do. And it's a great experience to have their work exposed downtown where everybody can appreciate it."

Destination Downtown Lancaster/Special Improvement District Executive Director David Scheffler said the works are eventually sent back to the school they came from.

"All the art is created, modeled and designed by the students," Scheffler said. "They do the dimensions, draw the plans, and they're sent to Hocking Valley Laser, who does the cutting of the steel. Then Ric Leichliter takes the steel and welds it together into a piece. He also mentors the classes."

jbarron@lancastereaglegazette.com

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Twitter: @JeffDBarron