A new sculpture has found a fitting–albeit temporary– home in downtown Sandusky.
The sculpture, titled “Iron Man,” by Ottawa Hills resident Todd Kime, is located in front of the Chesapeake Lofts, which also happens to be near the swim start of
IRONMAN 70.3 Sandusky.
“That location has been the spot for the rotating sculpture program for several years,” says Arin Blair, city staff liaison to the Sandusky Public Arts & Culture Commission. “This year, when the selection committee came across the sculpture titled “Iron Man,” we knew it would be such a great fit in Sandusky, and for that location right in the center of the race-day activities.”
The 300-pound sculpture is sponsored by
Lange Trust of Sandusky Library and is on loan as part of the
Midwest Sculpture Initiative. The public art works on exhibit are chosen by a committee from the Lange Trust and the
City of Sandusky’s Public Arts & Culture Commission, says Sarah Prout, chairperson of the Lange Trust.
The Lange Trust has used the Midwest Sculpture Initiative for its temporary public art exhibit for the last six years, and “Iron Man” is one of eight sculptures displayed in the downtown area, Prout says.
“Since Sandusky has hosted the IRONMAN competition and is hosting it for the next three years, this sculpture was an easy top choice from over 200 art entries from Midwest Sculpture Initiative,” Prout says.
In terms of the sculpture’s significance in Sandusky, Blair hopes locals and tourists alike will appreciate the piece and its connection to the city.
“I hope the athletes and their families are delighted to see their sport reflected in the city’s public art—even if just for this year—and Sandusky residents not only enjoy the sculpture’s celebration of our local athletes, but also as a reminder that we really know how to host amazing events in this town,” she says.
One person who is already delighted by the sculpture is IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio Race Director Casey Gilvin.
"I love the addition of the sculpture at the swim start," Gilvin says. "It's for sure an iconic location for a start of a triathlon that is unique to our portfolio and is so different than anywhere else. One of my favorite parts of that race is looking off the ferry toward the water prior to thousands of athletes starting their journey."