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Grosse Ile DDA approves high school’s ‘GI’ sculpture design, selects option 2
Summary
The Grosse Ile Township Downtown Development Authority approved a proposal from Grosse Ile High School’s art class to paint a new ‘GI’ sculpture, choosing option 2 and agreeing that students will add panels over multiple years; DDA staff will provide paint when students are ready.
The Grosse Ile Township Downtown Development Authority voted to approve a proposal from the Grosse Ile High School art class to paint a new ‘GI’ sculpture, selecting design option 2.
The DDA approved the motion after a presentation by staff and two students showing two layout options for the front of the sculpture and a plan to continue the long-standing senior handprint tradition on the back. Ross (DDA director) and student presenters described a multi-year plan in which two seniors each year would paint two squares until the front of the sculpture is filled.
The plan presented included two design approaches: option 1 divided the letter forms into narrower quilt-like sections using four vertical lines and five horizontal lines; option 2 reduced vertical lines to create larger painting areas. One student described a simplified map of the island, with bridges and local landmarks, and another said she planned to paint a stylized lighthouse on the sculpture’s “I.” The students said the back of the structure would be painted light gray with seniors’ red handprints and white-painted names underneath.
“M y design . . . is a sort of cartoon simplified map of GI from above,” a student presenter said, describing landmarks and the island layout. Another student said, “I’ve decided to do the lighthouse . . . it’s one of our big symbols in the community.” (Quotes attributed to student presenters as listed in the meeting transcript.)
After brief discussion about panel size and sequencing, Mister Jacobson moved to approve the sculpture proposal option number 2; Miss Armiak seconded. The chair called the vote: “All those in favor, say aye.” The motion carried. DDA staff will supply paint to the students when they are ready.
The vote recorded in the meeting transcript did not list a roll-call tally; the minutes reflect a voice vote with the motion passing. No changes to the senior-handprint tradition were proposed; that element will continue on the back of the structure.
The DDA’s action was limited to approving the chosen design option and authorizing staff support; no additional funding, timeline beyond the students’ description, or installation schedule was specified in the meeting record.
Minutes and financial items unrelated to the sculpture were approved earlier in the meeting by voice vote.
