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Winding work of art
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Thursday, September 11, 2008 10:18 AM EDT
Argus-Press Photo by Anthony Cepak ARTHUR JOHNS, a blacksmith and artist from Chapin Township, works on the staircase he created for the new addition to the Shiawassee Arts Center.
OWOSSO-Some may call it a stairwell, but for artist and blacksmith Arthur Johns of Chapin Township, it is a sculpture.
Three flights of the wrought iron stairwell, which rise from the lower level of the new Shiawassee Arts Center addition to the main and upper levels, were installed Monday. The stairwell is the result of several weeks of work in Johns' workshop.
The stairwell allows light from the window wall - which reaches across three floors - to flood into the galleries on the main and upper levels.
“This has come together with late, late nights and early mornings,” Johns said, pausing in front of the wrought iron spirals and spindles.
“The idea is one of falling water,” Johns said. “I wanted people to have the feeling they were inside a waterfall.”
Johns said the design process was an important first step in bringing this project to reality.
“I envisioned the space before I started designing it,” Johns said. “I thought of the space where the stairs had to go as an empty rectangle and I thought about how to make it into an interesting space. “I think of the stairwell as one large, integrated sculpture, all related.”
The stairwell will be on display and usable for this weekend's gala event to celebrate the opening of the new SAC addition. Visitors to the SAC galleries during art exhibitions also will be able to view Johns' work, as well as use the stairwell.
An opening reception for the current art exhibition takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The public is invited and there is no admission charge. Richard Lehmann will provide music on the center's grand piano and refreshments will be served.
- Contact Cheryll Warren at 725-5136 extension 225 or argusnews@charterinternet.com.