All Aboard Public Art Vermilion’s new sculpture project

What is it: Public Art Vermilion, a program of Main Street Vermilion, has announced plans for a sculpture installation at the new Main Street Park. The $30k project will be Vermilion’s third public art project in the last 40 years, according to a release from PAV. The sculpture is scheduled to be installed by spring 2024 near the corner of Main and Huron streets.

“To say that the PAV board of directors and those involved in this process are thrilled might be understated,” said PAV chair, Marilou Suszko, via the release. “We’re proud of our efforts to advance a public art initiative in Vermilion.”

Scott Goss, an interdisciplinary artist from Shaker Heights, is the designer of the proposed sculpture. Goss was commissioned for the project from a field of artists across the country, according to the release. Goss will also oversee the fabrication and installation of the piece, titled “Aboard.”

“We felt that Scott’s proposal was unique to Vermilion and responded to what we were looking for in a site-specific sculpture,” said Suszko. “’Aboard’ is a friendly welcome to the park, it complements the area and honors Vermilion’s boat building legacy.”

The project is funded by Public Art Vermilion and its supporters, Main Street Vermilion, and a Destination Development Grant from Shores & Islands Ohio.

Why is it important: The design, which honors an important part of Vermilion’s nautical history, reflects three sails that represent of the types of schooners built nearby on the Vermilion River between 1814 and 1870. The “sails” will be fabricated from Corten® steel, a weathering steel known for its strength and its ability to resist the corrosive effects of rain, snow, ice, fog, and other weather conditions by forming an oxidized coating over the metal, according to the release.
 
“Within about a year, the sculpture will form this barrier which inhibits rusts and negates the need for painting and costly rust-prevention maintenance over the years,” Suszko said. “Coincidentally, as one of our board members observed, the oxidation turns the steel the color of vermillion, our namesake, a deep red and purplish hue. We appreciated the connection.” 
 
About the artist/project: To learn more about Goss, visit his website. To learn more about Public Art Vermilion and other local art initiatives, visit the PAV website.