Public Art Fabrication
EA Craftworks recently worked to bring to life two new public art installations in Michigan. In Coldwater, a larger-than-life sunflower can be found “growing” out of the Children’s Museum of Branch County. Meanwhile, in Saugatuck’s Cook Park, a collection of vibrant, abstract blooms has emerged along the lakeshore as part of Flower World, the imaginative vision of Allendale-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco.
Reaching the beautiful end result of these projects involved a number of considerations to the design and construction along the way.
Designing for Public Spaces
For the safety of the viewing public, we must consider the following:
- If the overwhelming temptation to climb a sculpture takes over (if it is intended to be interactive, of course), will it remain stable?
- Have all of the sharp edges been rounded off to protect wandering fingers?
- Will the art withstand the fickle extremes of Michigan weather?
What’s This Made of?
Not all metals are created equal. Certain metals are better than others for certain jobs, and you need to weigh the pros and cons for every project.
- Will the final piece live inside or out? What kinds of environmental factors will wear on it, affecting its longevity?
- What is the limit on weight, if any?
Since it was to be mounted to the side of a building, the sunflower at the children’s museum was ultimately constructed with aluminum. Aluminum is strong (when it’s not aluminum foil) and lightweight, a perfect fit for being resilient and reducing the strain on the mounts attached to the building. As a material, aluminum, especially with a colorful powder-coated finish, will have good longevity outdoors in the elements.
Using Weight to Our Advantage
On the flip side, Songco’s Flower World installation in Saugatuck was assembled out of many separate steel components mounted to a steel base buried in the ground. Steel is heavy, and this worked to our advantage to keep everything rooted in place and not skimming across the nearby Kalamazoo Lake.
Songco’s Flower World installation in Saugatuck | Photography by Bryan Esler
The Final Touches
One cannot overlook the finishing; these are art pieces after all, and the finish plays just as big a role as the physical shape. Similarly to choosing material, environmental conditions play a major factor in these decisions. Interior pieces have a wider range of options, but exterior works need something with real durability. For this, we turn to powder coat or automotive paint. Both the Sunflower and Flower World have a powder coat finish. It’s very durable and comes in a wide variety of vibrant colors.
Should you find yourself near Saugatuck, why not take a walk through the park and see Jeffrey Songco’s whimsical sculpture before it’s gone in April 2026. If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids and find yourself a little farther south, check out the Children’s Museum of Branch County to enjoy their fun exhibits and activities, and also a two-storey aluminum sunflower. You can’t miss it.
Partner with EA Craftworks on Your Next Public Art Project
Public art brings people together. It transforms everyday spaces into moments of discovery, connection, and pride. At EA Craftworks, we collaborate with artists, architects, and community partners to turn creative visions into lasting installations. From concept development and material selection to fabrication and finishing, our team ensures every project is built to inspire—and built to endure.