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Darryl Massa and Harry Brodbeck of the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center, and Pentwater Arts Council Co-President Janet Nelson admire “Water Maiden” at its new location in Pentwater’s Bridge Park, at the entrance to the Channel.
By Ron Beeber, Contributing Writer
PENTWATER — Skilled, civic-minded members of the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center are often quick to step in when they see an opportunity to advance a community project. A recent example is the relocation of the “Water Maiden” sculpture from its temporary location on Second Street. The piece earned the “People’s Choice Award” in the Pentwater Arts Council’s 2023 Sculpture Walk.
After the arts council purchased “Water Maiden” from artist Robert L. Barnum of Mecosta, Michigan, the club generously donated it to the Village of Pentwater. But a dilemma presented itself: how to pay for pouring a concrete base at the new location along the channel in Bridge Park; fabricating a sturdy pedestal to attach the sculpture to the base; and relocating and installing the piece?
That’s when Pentwater residents and PALC members Harry Brodbeck (20 years) and Darryl Massa (nine years) volunteered to lead the job, assisted by several other PALC members at times.
“it took a total of about 50 man hours over 10 days to complete the job,” said Massa.
“The base and pedestal were designed so that boaters can clearly see the sculpture from the water,” added Brodbeck. “And it’s accessible to pedestrians from the end of Bridge Street.”
A bystander who watched the sculpture being installed June 24 said, “This is the perfect location, it looks like the artist sculpted it with this exact spot in mind!”
“The arts council is in our third year of a three-year Public Arts Sculpture project,” said PAC Co-President Judy Pazol.
“Residents and visitors have the opportunity to view a set of unique sculptures located within the Village of Pentwater; learn about each artist’s view of their art piece; and vote for their favorite sculpture.” Each work is available for purchase. Four sculptures displayed in the first or second years were bought by generous donors and donated to the people of Pentwater. Five new sculptures have now been placed around the Village until May 31, 2025, and each is available for purchase for either personal or donation purposes.
“Water Maiden” is carried on a Kubota by Harry Brodbeck to its new location on Pentwater Channel.
“The artisan center fits Pentwater perfectly,” said PALC board member Sue Hopp. “Our members are there for the needs of others, like the arts council. Caring and sharing was always Barb and Gene Davidson’s way when they founded the PALC more than 20 years ago.” PALC volunteers Barry Freed and Jim Crumm also have helped support this PAC project by constructing and installing frames for place marker signs at each sculpture display location.
Darryl Massa and Harry Brodbeck raise the sculpture to its vertical position.
For more information about the artisan center, visit https://pentwaterartisan.org/. It has reached 70 percent of its $250,000 fundraising goal. Contributions can conveniently be made at www.oceana-foundation.org > Give > Our Funds. Then, search for “Equipping the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center for the Next 20 Years Fund.”
For more information about the arts council or sculptures, go to pentwaterartscouncil.org. Any piece now on display can be purchased by contacting Judy Pazol at jppazol@aol.com.
Harry uses a wrench to hold the locking nut underneath, while Darryl tightens the bolt with a wrench to secure the sculpture to the pedestal.
Water Maiden on display in front of Pentwater Place on Second Street in 2023. This is where the sculpture was temporarily located during the Pentwater Arts Council’s 2023 Sculpture Walk.
