GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — According to a press release the Frey Foundation will dedicate a 5,436 pound black granite marker, recognizing Ecliptic, the work of internationally-renowned artist Maya Lin at Rosa Parks Circle. The black granite marker, which includes the same type of granite used in two other water features in Ecliptic, will be dedicated during the ArtPrize top ten announcement at 1:00 PM on Sunday, Sept. 29 at Rosa Parks Circle.
“We want to recognize this incredible work of art, Ecliptic, and the artist, Maya Lin, for her significant and lasting contribution to the fabric of life in downtown Grand Rapids,” said David Frey, Frey Foundation chairman. “Since its dedication in 2000, the park has become the most actively programmed public space in downtown Grand Rapids,”
During the late 1990’s, the City of Grand Rapids sought to redesign the downtown park. The Frey Foundation commissioned Maya Lin to create the design. Maya Lin, a Chinese-American architectural designer and artist, is best known for her design of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC. She entitled her design for Grand Rapids, “Ecliptic” which included an amphitheater, ice skating rink, and water features, serving as a central public gathering place.
The park—named Rosa Parks Circle by the City of Grand Rapids—was dedicated in 2000. This permanent installation was timed to share with the thousands of ArtPrize attendees.
For more information on the Frey Foundation, visit www.freyfdn.org.
