Courtesy Photo Pictured from left to right are Tim Kuehnlein, Thunder Bay Arts Council board member, Augie Matuzak, Art Vision Alpena, Ann Diamond, TBAC president, and Martin Thomson, FFNM Legacy Foundation board member.

ALPENA — First Federal of Northern Michigan (FFNM) Legacy Foundation presented a $2,000 grant to Thunder Bay Arts Council, Inc. (TBAC) as one of their fourth quarter grant recipients.

The $2,000 will be used toward the creation and installation of “The River Intertwined” sculpture at Washington Avenue Park. Thunder Bay Arts is in its 48th year of operation and is one of the longest continuous operating art councils in Michigan. Their mission is “to promote, support and preserve the arts through performance, education and leadership” by adapting the arts offered to the needs and interest of the community.

“The River Intertwined” will be a hand forged abstract sculpture made of steel and copper by local blacksmith Jacob Moss Idema. It is a reflection of the intertwining of nature and life and it symbolizes the timeless beauty of the Thunder Bay River and the trees and forests that grace its banks.

The sculpture is part of Art Vision Alpena, a project of TBAC, which seeks to enrich the aesthetic quality of the community while encouraging recreation with art in nature along the Alpena Bi-Path. There are currently 11 sculptures at various Bi-Path locations with additional sites in the planning stage. “The River Intertwined” is scheduled to be installed in May 2021.

The sculptures are made possible through generous contributions by various foundations, local government and business entities, patrons of TBAC, and many individuals.

If you would like to make a donation or would like additional information on Thunder Bay Arts Council, visit Thunder Bay Arts Council & Gallery Facebook page, their website at www.thunderbayarts.org, or call 989-356-6678.