A new sculpture is coming to downtown Menasha

Make it Rain by Ryan Lamfers (Photo: Alex Schultz)

Mica Soellner, Appleton Post-Crescent Published 4:29 p.m. CT July 6, 2018

MENASHA - A new statue for downtown Menasha will reflect the recent changes of its historic downtown.

A 10-foot tall cast iron and steel sculpture titled “Make It Rain” created by Midwest artist Ryan Lamfers is now in place in the plaza in front of the Brin Theatre building.

The Common Council approved the placement of the piece by a 6-2 vote on June 2.

“Art attracts people and it provides a sense of place,” Mayor Don Merkes told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. “Having something like that in our downtown in a very prominent location is going to be something that’ll bring people here to interact with that piece and explore how it impacts their lives.”

The sculpture is part of the nonprofit arts group Sculpture Valley’s Acre of Art project, which aims to bring public art into the Fox Valley. The initiative was launched in 2017 and brought nine sculptures on loan to downtown Appleton, one to Neenah and one to Fox Crossing. Each sculpture is on display for two years.

Sculpture Valley Executive Director Alex Schultz said even though the sculptures are up for a short time, if a community and sponsor of the piece love it and want to purchase it, it can be placed permanently. However, if no one comes forward to buy them, including Sculpture Valley, the artists simply take their works back home.

“Make It Rain” was selected as the top pick from 65 different entries in 2018 for Acre of Art. A jury of local artists select the pieces.

The works are paid for through $5,000 sponsorships from individuals, family trusts and corporate supporters. The sponsorship covers the two-year placement of the piece. They can be co-sponsored or multi-party sponsored. 

In his personal artist statement, Lamfers said his work explores the changing nature of things and how everything is in a “state of change.”

With the historic portions of downtown Menasha being restored and recent construction, the “state of change” message of the sculpture ties in well, Merkes said.

“We’re in that 'state of change' and rebuilding and rebirth of creating the history of today versus the history of yesterday,” he said.

Anyone interested in sponsoring art for the 2018-20 season should contact Schultz at 920-205-6169.