The Community Foundation of St. Clair County and the Rotary Club of Port Huron are seeking an artist to create the next iconic public sculpture along the Blue Water River Walk—a one-mile stretch of shoreline that blends natural beauty, local history, and community storytelling.
Proposals are due July 31, 2025, and the selected artist will receive $10,000 for design and fabrication. Installation is planned for spring 2026, and finalists will be invited to create a 3D model of their proposed work for final review and selection.
“Art installations enhance the experience of those who use the River Walk,” said Randy Maiers, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “They create meaningful moments of connection—to place and to history.”
The new sculpture will join a collection of public art installations that reflect the River Walk’s core themes of nature, transformation, and community. It should feel at home among the River Walk’s natural and rustic aesthetic.
To understand the tone and context of the River Walk’s public art, artists are encouraged to consider the existing installations:
- Sugar the Iron Horse, made from old railroad parts and farm tools, celebrates the site’s history as a former rail yard and its transformation into a beloved community space.
- Stella the Sturgeon honors the ancient fish native to the St. Clair River and stands for resilience and renewal.
- The Seven Grandfather Teachings share Indigenous values like Respect, Wisdom, and Truth, offering meaning and reflection along the trail.
The new sculpture will be installed alongside upcoming improvements, including lighting enhancements and the restoration of the historic South Ferry Dock—projects that aim to make the River Walk more vibrant and accessible.
“The Rotary Club is a long-time supporter of the River Walk,” said Emily Vinckier-Pierce, President of the Rotary Club of Port Huron. “We’re thrilled to contribute to the South Ferry Dock restoration and, in addition, help commission a new piece of public art that will continue to inspire future generations.”
This is more than a commission—it’s a chance to leave a lasting mark on a place that’s constantly growing, changing, and welcoming new stories.
To apply or learn more, visit stclairfoundation.org/riverwalkart or contact Natacha Hayden at natacha@stclairfoundation.org or 810-984-9761.
Support The River Walk!
The River Walk Endowment Fund supports the development, maintenance, care, and improvements to the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron. Donors can become a part of this endeavor and give to this fund year-round.
Future enhancements, including extending the Fishing Pier further into the St. Clair River and adding more lighting along the main trail, will only be possible with community support. If community members, local businesses, and organizations would like to support these projects and make an even bigger impact on the River Walk, please contact Randy Maiers or Natacha Hayden.