The agitating noises of construction traveled from the West Village redevelopment to Valley Court Park at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, but during this 2007 East Lansing Centennial Celebration, the sounds were symbolic.
At a time when city officials and community members were celebrating the city’s 100th birthday, the construction was a reminder of how far it has come.
Members in the audience sang “Happy Birthday” to the city in front of the newly installed 2007 Centennial Sculpture, afterward paying tribute to the people who have contributed to the vibrant environment the city flaunts today.
“We are embarking upon a milestone, or turning point, if you will, for the city,” said Yvette Robinson, chairwoman for the East Lansing Arts Commission.
“Future residents of this community will look back on this event and be reminded of what we represented in our centennial year.”
The sculpture, forged mostly from welded steel, stands 7 feet tall at its highest point and depicts abstract people circling around and joining hands.
It was created by award-winning sculptor John Neering, who graduated from MSU in 1951. At the celebration, Neering explained how he came up with the sculpture’s design.
“After some hard thinking, it appeared to me that really what makes a vital and vibrant community are its people,” he said. “So that became the theme of my application for this commission. So now you have the sculpture and it represents the people past, present and possibly future who have made East Lansing the vibrant community that it is today.”
Mayor Pro Tem Vic Loomis thanked Neering for creating the piece, which he said will bring the community together.
“The thread that ties a community together and brings us all together
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
