By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — There’s new art in the park in Warsaw.
The city came into possession of several pieces previously owned by Milton Holmgrain — the first administrator of Kosciusko Community Hospital.
The first of two has found its home along the new Center Lake Recreational Trail.
The artwork is a striking metallic sculpture known as The Joker (look closely and you’ll see the smile) and can be found near the new boat launch along North Detroit Street. It was installed recently and coincides with the completion of the $1 million trail project.
The art is part of a new infusion from Holmgrain and Goshen artist John Mishler made available to the city, which has placed an emphasis on increasing the amount of art in public spaces.
Mishler has a sculpture, named Winged Totem, installed at Krebs Trailhead.
More art will be added next year, according to Suzie Light, who overseas the Warsaw Public Arts Commission.
The late Holmgrain used to build kaleidoscopes and lived on the south side of Warsaw, Light recalls.
“His house was like a museum,” Light said.
Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer is pleased with the latest addition.
“We think art and parks go together,” Plummer said. “I’m all about it.”
The arts commission was created nearly a dozen years ago at the direction of Mayor Joe Thallemer.
To learn more about local public artwork, check out this link.
