By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Rick Brooks was an institution in Plainwell.
Not only did Brooks serve on the city council for 26 years—including 20 years as mayor—but he was also involved in numerous community activities such as Dr. Seuss Night at Ransom Library and the city’s annual Christmas festivities.
As a way of memorializing Brooks—who passed away in 2019—and his legacy of service, the Plainwell Arts Council is requesting proposals for a commemorative sculpture or decorative mural in his honor.
The proposed sites for the sculpture or mural are located in the area of downtown Plainwell that has since been designated as—fittingly enough—Brooks Plaza. The mural would go on the north side of the Plainwell Auto Parts building on North Main, offering a space that is 100 feet wide as a canvas.
Cathy Green is a member of the Plainwell Arts Council and is helping to organize the project.
“After Rick passed away and after naming of Brooks Plaza, the Arts Council and the City of Plainwell thought it would a nice gesture to honor Rick with a piece of public art,” she said. “I knew Rick personally. He was a great ambassador for Plainwell and this honor is well deserved.”
Plans for the projects originally began in 2020, but were put on hold following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These past two years have been tough,” Green said. “It’s as if life was put on hold. So, naturally, it feels great to get back into the swing of things and restart this project.”
Proposals will be accepted from any professional artist or team of artists at least 18 years of age regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status or physical or mental disability.
Other eligibility requirements include:
- Artist(s) must have experience in exterior, medium scale public sculpture in low maintenance, highly durable materials.
- Artist(s) must have completed at least two public art commissions.
- Artist(s) must have demonstrated success in creating artwork incorporated into site-specific locations.
- Artist(s) must have experience with engagement in and working with a diverse community and key stakeholders.
Artist(s) must be available to begin work immediately to meet the demands of a fast-track design process.
The budget for the project is $12,000, including installations.
Submissions must be received by Wednesday, June 15, and the project must be installed by Saturday, Oct. 15. The project will be chosen by citizen and donor vote.
“Rick had an easy-going and approachable style,” Green said. “He always had a smile on his face and was a true champion of the residents of Plainwell.”
Brooks lived in Plainwell for 53 years and, with wife Teresa, raised sons Chris, Pete and Brian. They also shared five grandchildren.
“Rick loved his grandchildren and enjoyed reading to them,” Green said.
Brooks sponsored a golf outing each year in honor of his son Brian, who passed away. Proceeds from the event provided college scholarships to Plainwell High School graduates.
“Rick was a family man,” Green said. “His wife Teresa is pleased that we are able to honor him in this way.”
In addition to spending time with his family, Brooks enjoyed music—especially rock and roll—history and fantasy football.
Those interested in submitting a proposal for the project can get more information at www.PlainwellArtsCouncil.com.