Your Words Could Be Part of New Art in the Park
The community will contribute to a sculpture that will be part of the next phase of Glass City Metropark. Anyone interested in participating is invited to an open house Monday, May 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Glass City Enrichment Center, 815 Front Street at Morrison Drive, Toledo. Participants can arrive any time during those hours.
Planners will also be on hand with information about the Glass City Riverwalk project.
Metroparks Toledo and the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo have selected celebrated sculpture artist Blessing Hancock to create an original sculpture for the next phase of Glass City Metropark. “Starburst” will feature words and phrases from the community cut into the sculpture. To gather those words, participants at the open house will answer prompts.
For community members who cannot attend the event, contributions to the project can also be made by filling out an online form. All answers must be submitted by Wednesday, May 7.
"Starburst" will be a 15-foot-tall, illuminated sculpture designed as an iconic piece that visitors will pass through. The sculpture is a gift to the community from donors, facilitated by the Metroparks Toledo Foundation. The project is being coordinated by the Arts Commission.
The piece will be a feature of the International Cove area of Glass City Metropark, which will celebrate the people who came from many countries and established the Toledo community. The International Cove area is currently under construction and expected to open in spring 2026 on the site of the former International Park. It is part of the Glass City Riverwalk development, which will span both sides of the Maumee River between the Anthony Wayne Bridge and the Veterans Glass City Skyway.
The Cove and the art will be true to the original intention of International Park, which was established more than 40 years ago by Toledo's ethnic communities.
The art was inspired in part by the late Yehia Hussein "John" Shousher, a well-known Toledo businessman and philanthropist who was integral in the development of International Park.
A contribution from Mr. Shousher's family helped launch the project. Additional gifts are anticipated as fundraising continues.
Blessing Hancock is known for her monumental, site-specific works. The award-winning artist has created more than 60 public and private art pieces worldwide. Community engagement is at the heart of Hancock’s work, with each of her public projects featuring an element that connects the artwork back to the community where it is located.
