Saugatuck Township unveiled its first public artwork, “Canary in a Coal Mine,” an 11-foot sculpture. Courtesy
What’s happening: Saugatuck Township unveiled its first piece of public art, an 11-foot yellow sculpture that doubles as a call to environmental awareness. “Canary in a Coal Mine,” created by Ohio artist Shawn Morin, was installed on May 22 at the Blue Star Highway roundabout. Crafted from welded and painted steel, the sculpture is both a visual landmark and a symbolic reminder of the region’s environmental challenges.
What they’re saying: “We’re thrilled to unveil the 'Canary in a Coal Mine' sculpture as the first public art piece in Saugatuck Township,” says Township Manager Daniel DeFranco. “This sculpture not only speaks to the environmental challenges that face our region, but it is a welcoming beacon to the ‘Art Coast of Michigan.’
“It’s a landmark for Saugatuck Township and greatly enhances our busy roundabout,” he says. “We look forward to hosting a dedication ceremony this summer.”
What’s the back story: The sculpture was funded in part by a $4,050 grant from the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with a $1,000 donation from Capizzo Studio, a local art gallery. The concept draws from the phrase “canary in a coal mine,” a practice dating to 1911 when coal miners brought canaries underground to detect carbon monoxide. If the bird fled or collapsed, it signaled danger. While this is no longer done, the metaphor remains relevant in highlighting unseen environmental threats.
What’s the meaning: “The contemporary canary in a coal mine is sending a danger sign that our environment is being destroyed,” Morin says. “Without action and awareness, environmental threats will surround us and become deadly. We need a canary to wake up those ignoring their carbon footprint.” His sculpture challenges viewers to confront environmental issues not only on a global scale but also within their communities.
What’s the inspiration: Morin says that the sculpture’s yellow top and bottom elements suggest a bird in transformation. The vertical columns represent a coal mine shaft, narrow and nearly impossible to enter, symbolizing the confinement and urgency of today’s environmental challenges.
Where it’s located: The sculpture stands at the single-lane roundabout where Blue Star Highway meets Old Allegan Road. Completed in spring 2024, the roundabout was designed to improve traffic flow and safety at a key intersection. It opened in July.
What’s next: Saugatuck Township will host a public dedication for the sculpture later this summer, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate the new landmark and engage in a dialogue about environmental stewardship.
Who made it possible: The sculpture was picked by the Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative, led by township resident and former Water Street Gallery owner Maryjo Lemanski.
What to know about the artist: Shawn Morin is a sculptor and professor who heads the sculpture program at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. During his 27-year tenure, his roles have included chair of three-dimensional studies and assistant director of the School of Art. His work, which uses such materials as bronze, steel, glass, and wood, is included in over 20 public and 35 private collections across North America. Morin creates large-scale works for public and private venues.
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