Saugatuck Twp. dedicates first public art piece, 'Canary in a Coal Mine'

SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Saugatuck Township officials held a dedication ceremony Wednesday for the township’s first public art piece titled, “Canary in a Coal Mine."

It is a welded painted steel sculpture, located at the Bluestar Highway Old/Allegan Road roundabout along Blue Star Trail.

The township provided more details in a news release:

The yellow, 11-foot sculpture was installed in Saugatuck Township in May. It relates to the phase, “canary in a coal mine,” dating back to 1911 when coal miners would take a canary into a mine. The bird would fly out of the mine when the bird sensed carbon monoxide, an environmental danger with potentially fatal consequences. While the practice is no longer used, the phrase continues to live on.

Created by Bowling Green, Ohio, artist Shawn Morin, the sculpture features two yellow shapes at the top and bottom of the art piece suggesting a bird form that has been transformed. The two long columns represent the coal mine shaft where the space between is narrow and almost impossible to enter.

“This piece is very important to us,” said Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco. “This is not only a huge safety infrastructure improvement that the township’s made, but also a beautification of the Blue Star corridor. We see this as the start of something bigger. We have a vision for Blue Star to transform it into a walkable, beautiful pedestrian corridor that’s friendly for both residents and businesses.”

The sculpture was funded in part by a $4,050 grant from the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and a $1,000 donation from art gallery, Capizzo Studio, in Saugatuck Township. While it is the first public art piece in Saugatuck Township, “Canary in a Coal Mine” is the sixth new public sculpture since 2023 within the Saugatuck, Douglas and Fennville area.

“Saugatuck Township saw an opportunity to enhance the roundabout with this bright yellow abstract work, which will not only signal drivers from a distance to slow down, but it will also project the image that these communities promote progressive and innovative art,” said Maryjo Lemanski, founder of the Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative, who worked with Morin and township officials to bring the art work to the township. “Recognizing that this is the first public sculpture installed in Saugatuck Township, the intention was to select a work that makes a strong visual statement.”

Saugatuck Township Treasurer Jon Helmrich added: “It’s a testament to Shawn Morin’s vision and Saugatuck Township’s spirit. ‘Canary in a Coal Mine’ serves as a reminder of our deep history as the Art Coast of Michigan and the symbol of our vibrant future. Let us cherish the sculpture and the positive impact that it will have in our community for years to come. It’s the gateway to the Saugatuck/Douglas communities, welcoming residents and visitors to our beautiful town.”

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