By Christopher Johnson

One of Clare’s latest metalworks, “Joe Galaxy” by Roger King (Midland)
As the temperature heats up finally, the city of Clare is poised for a busy and exciting month ahead. With high school and college graduations on the calendar, as well as the annual Amish auction, the community is also anticipating the return of the Destination Clare Art Sculpture Walk.
Which will be building on its successful run since its inception in Spring 2022.
Back then, the project was born out of an idea by local sculptor Jeff Best, who approached the Clare County Arts Council with a vision that would transform the city’s streets into an artistically charged landscape. With an initial seed of $25,000, a committee was formed to bring this concept to life. Carol Santini is currently the President of the Arts Council.
“It helps bring tourism to the area”, Carol comments. “We love seeing the new sculptures and we spread them out around the county too”.
Now in its fourth year, the Art Walk continues to evolve, with new installations being rotated and added regularly.
On May 6, the Doherty Hotel will host the unveiling event, showcasing ten new sculptures that will join the Art Walk’s ever-changing landscape. This event follows past unveilings held at notable venues like The Venue and Tobacco Ranch.
A panel of three judges will be evaluating the ten new sculptures set to be unveiled in our community. This includes art educators Ian Humphrey from Harrison Community Schools and Penelope Burley from Farwell Area Schools. Joining them is Jessica Emmens, who is both an artist as well, and a nurse. This brings a unique perspective to the judging process.
Notably, her husband Travis Emmens is the talented artist behind the popular wireform dog sculpture currently on display outside the Whitehouse.
The judges face a challenging task ahead as they review the ten selected pieces, all of which showcase exceptional talent and creativity. From an impressive pool of 50 submissions from 19 artists, these artworks have risen to the top. Only one will be chosen to receive the Juried Award and given the high caliber of the selected pieces, the judges will no doubt be carefully considering their decision.
Also, the community will acknowledge the creative talents of three exceptional high school students from Farwell, Clare, and Harrison. These students will receive recognition for their artistic achievements, as well as contributing an art piece of their own to the evening.
As a special outing for local high schoolers, the Arts Council is sponsoring a unique opportunity for students from the surrounding schools to meet renowned artist Jeff Best at Devils Rope Studio on April 25. During this exclusive workshop, the kids will have the chance to learn from Best’s expertise in shaping metal into intricate and impressive sculptures. This hands-on experience promises to be an inspiring and educational field day. Offering valuable insights into the creative process and techniques that bring metal sculptures to life.
Many in our community are already well-acquainted with Best’s work, thanks to iconic pieces like “Clarence,” our town leprechaun. Which has become both a hometown landmark, and a symbol of Irish pride.
Additionally, Best’s creative genius is also evident in the stoic conductor sculpt standing proudly outside the train depot. Which was inspired by the Japanese tale of Hachiko. A heartwarming, yet tragic story about a dog who waited years at a train station for its deceased owner to return. This striking piece has also become another beloved effigy, resonating with locals and visitors alike.