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‘Loyal Ladies’ fund woodcarving installation in Black River Park

BLACK RIVER — The Loyal Ladies of Spruce are at it again, this time funding the installation of wood carvings at the Black River Park.

Organizer Cyndi Apsey said the project was commissioned by Curran woodcarver Jordan Lubben and is being installed this week. She said the official unveiling will take place during the Black River Bridge Walk to be held at 12 p.m.. Saturday.

The Loyal Ladies first made their mark on Alcona County with the Spruce window project that aimed to dress up the empty storefronts in Spruce with giant artistic window clings of farming scenes in the county.

Apsey said the aim of the group now is to do art installations around different parts of the county.

She said Lubben is known for his artistic ability in woodcarving and he often carves at the annual Curran Black Bear festival held in the fall.

“He is from the area and knows the history of Black River,” she said.

Although she would not give details on what the sculpture is she said it centers on the area’s history.

“It’s his version of a historical romantic look at Black River that is,” she said.

Apsey said Lubben was hired to make what he wanted for the project.

“He is one of these people that he can’t draw on paper and he can do it on wood,” she said.

Aspey said township officials have been grateful for the installation.

“Alcona Township has been fantastic in working with us and making it really easy,” she said.

According to Aspey there was no particular reason for picking Black River to have the art put in the park.

“I brought it to the Loyal Ladies board, they liked it and we pursued it, that is how I think it’s all going to work as we get a feel for the area and the artists,” she said.

Future projects will be funded through different festivals and events that will be put on by the Loyal Ladies.

Alcona Township Superintendent Marlena MacNeill said the art will be a nice addition to the park.

According to a press release the 14th Annual Black River Bridge Walk and Black River Park Fundraiser will be held at 12 p.m..

MacNeill said the walk was created as kind of a joke to compliment the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day, but continued from year to year and features many different events, including a softball game and bake sale.

Jason Ogden can be reached via email at jogden@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693. Follow Jason on Twitter @jo_alpenanews.

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