This piece commemorates 100 years of limestone mining in Rogers City Michigan. The Calcite Mine is the largest open pit mine in the world, and has been the mainstay of the economy of Rogers City.
I proposed this piece in 2012, to be set in the Lakeside Park in the downtown area. It consists of a masonry wall with insets containing 120 porcelain tiles decorated by the 4th and 5th graders in Rogers City Elementary. The children created their own images related to the mine, with their signature, and frequently names of family that worked in the mine. I made the tiles out of “high fire” porcelain and glazes to withstand the harsh Michigan winter in the area.
This project brought the community together; the children, schoolteachers, the Presque Isle Library, (Ann Belanger), Jim Nye, (the mason who donated his time), Alpena Community College, (who donated the block), Tom Moran, (donated a crane), and the DPW of Rogers City. The piece is set to face the Community Bandshell, so it’s function doubles as seating when there are concerts in the park.
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- The dedication ceremony
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- Checking out the mine for my project
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- 35 ton scoop
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- Working with 4th and 5th graders at Rogers City Elementary
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- The sign at Lakeside Park, location of the Landmark
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- A view from the bandshell
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- The start of the Wall
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- Being used during the “Nautical Festival”
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- Being used, just like I planned, for the Salmon Tournament in Rogers City
