Pictured at right is the statue “Reaching for the Stars” was unveiled at Fennville District Library, 400 W. Main St., on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
The Sassy Olive hosted a successful Allegan Clean Up on Saturday, April 29, 2023. About 15 members of the Allegan community and even several from neighboring communities gathered at the Sassy Olive to obtain bags and tools for collecting refuse. The teams went out in different directions and returned a couple hours later with bags full of “treasure” is one believes that ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasures’. Arbor Day is a wonderful time to take pride in creating an environment that is blessed with trees and foliage while taking time to remove refuse that poisons the environment and the aesthetics of nature. Pop-up clean up activities can happen anytime and anywhere so grab your gloves and some bags. (Pictures courtesy of Sassy Olive)
Picture to the right are Artist Hector Vega, right, and Maryjo Lemanski, left, of the Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative, left, at the unveiling of Vega’s statue “Reaching for the Stars” at Fennville District Library, 400 W. Main St., on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
The artist’s hands shook.
Hector Vega spoke quietly in Spanish on the steps of the Fennville District Library, 400 W. Main St., to about 100 people, humbly thanking generations of migrant families who worked the fields around Fennville to grow a community.
He stopped, letting the breeze settle down before finishing in English.
“I’m a terrible speaker but I love you guys anyway,” he said as he joined the crowd for the unveiling of his 12-foot statue “Reaching for the Stars” on Saturday, May 6.
The colorful painted aluminum piece depicts a migrant worker lifting a stack of fresh fruit and vegetables. Atop the harvest is a child touching a star.
The statue is the first piece of public art in the small town’s more than 150-year history and combined the efforts of volunteers, the City of Fennville, the city’s downtown development authority, the library and the Saugatuck Douglas Arts Initiative.
“It took a community to make this happen,” Maryjo Lemanski of the arts initiative told the crowd in English. Her words were then translated into Spanish. “We did it! We did it all together!”
Lemanski also announced that annual fundraisers are planned to continue to help migrant families in the area.
“This is a statue that goes on giving,” she said.
In July, the Fennville City Commission approved the project for $28,500. Donations from almost 50 community members and organizations covered $28,213 of the final $30,045.50 cost. The concrete base, lighting and plaques cost $6,124.50, according to City Administrator Kathryn Beemer. The downtown development authority is covering the difference between the donations and costs, Beemer said.
The statue is important to the community, said Dennis Martin, president of the Fennville District Library Board and city commissioner.
“This beautiful statue … represents the hopes and dreams of the people whose contributions have been so important to this community and the world,” he said, noting the sacrifices of farm workers often go unappreciated. His words were translated into Spanish as well.
“This statue demonstrates the respect we have for the men, women and children who work in the fields, orchards and vineyards surrounding Fennville. You have done much more than pick fruit and vegetables. You’ve helped make this community a vibrant and beautiful place to live and work. Thank you.”
Though Vega said few words at the unveiling of his work, he composed a poem called “Grow Love” that was distributed to the crowd.
“My life is a reflection of your life
That is why I am in Fennville
Like you, I had many challenges
Every step of the way …”
The poem describes how his mother, who spoke no English, brought her four children from Puerto Rico to the mainland where she worked two jobs. Vega, a self-taught artist, was raised in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Mother’s sacrifices planted a seed for us
Chance of growing love
Reaching for the stars …”
Other art works by Vega are on display at the library.
Food at the statue dedication was provided by downtown Fennville businesses Salt of the Earth and El Jaripeo. Local band Grupo Fierro performed for the ceremony.
Cutlines
CRFennvilleStatueUnveiling1: The statue “Reaching for the Stars” was unveiled at Fennville District Library, 400 W. Main St., on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
CRFennvilleStatueUnveiling2: Artist Hector Vega, right, talks to Marl Schrock, left, of the Fennville Downton Development Authority, at the unveiling of Vega’s statue “Reaching for the Stars” at Fennville District Library, 400 W. Main St., on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
CRFennvilleStatueUnveiling3: Artist Hector Vega, right, and Maryjo Lemanski, left, of the Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative, left, at the unveiling of Vega’s statue “Reaching for the Stars” at Fennville District Library, 400 W. Main St., on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
CRFennvilleStatueUnveiling4: The top of the 12-foot statue “Reaching for the Stars” at Fennville District Library, 400 W. Main St., on Saturday, May 6, 2023.