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HESPERIA — A growing collection of murals, sculptures and installations is adding new energy and visual appeal to Hesperia through HesperiART, a community-driven public art initiative.
The effort began following a 2021 community assessment conducted in partnership with the Oceana Community Foundation, where residents expressed a strong desire to see more public art and improvements to downtown aesthetics.
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Today, HesperiART is led by a volunteer committee working with local artists, students, businesses and community partners. Project support is provided by the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, the Oceana County Economic Alliance and the Village of Hesperia.
Committee members include Russell Baker, Curtis Burdette, Julie Burrell, Vicki Burrell, Monica Grimard, Sara Kraley, Mark Kraus and Scott Rumsey.
OCP file photo/Hesperia High School art teacher Monica Grimard, at left, with her art students who created the mural “Reclaimed Beauty” at Vida Weaver Park.
“HesperiART reflects what the community asked for and continues to be shaped by that input,” said Hesperia Village President Mike Farber, “Each project adds to the story of Hesperia and creates spaces people can enjoy and take pride in.”
Scott Rumsey, owner of Ed’s Orchard Market and a HesperiART committee member, said the impact is already noticeable. “It’s exciting to see these projects come to life right here in Hesperia,” Rumsey said. “Public art brings people into town, creates a sense of place and gives residents something to feel proud of.”
Farber said the initiative is rooted in community input and collaboration.
OCP file photo
“They wanted to see more beauty and creativity in our public spaces, and HesperiART is delivering on that vision,” Farber said.
Completed projects across the village include:
- River Vignettes, a mural by Renae Wallace near the Hesperia Dam
- Reclaimed Beauty, a student-created installation at Vida Weaver Park led by Monica Grimard. The unique mural made of recycled waste was unveiled last year.
- Bambi, a public sculpture created by Newaygo County Career Tech Center students near the dam
- A Walk in the Park, a mural at the park pump house by Renae Wallace
- Northern Michigan Vacationland, a mural by Chris Garcia in downtown Hesperia
OCP file photo
These projects were made possible through grants, donations and significant volunteer time, with support from Ed’s Orchard Market, Shelby State Bank, Oceana Community Foundation, the Fremont Area Community Foundation, TrueNorth Community Services, the Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Hesperia and individual contributions collected by the Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce.
A sixth project is underway, featuring a massive mural on the east wall of Ed’s Orchard Market by Olivia Prado, and will continue to be shaped by community input.
“We’ve been able to bring multiple projects to life in a short time, and we’re excited to continue building on that success,” Farber said. “There is strong community support, and more opportunities are ahead.”
HesperiART is a volunteer-led effort formed after a community assessment conducted in partnership with the Oceana Community Foundation identified interest in expanding public art and improving the visual character of Hesperia. The group has since completed multiple projects, secured funding and continues to plan future installations that celebrate the community, its natural surroundings and its small-town character.
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