An internationally known sculptor with strong ties to central Ohio is responsible for the works of art going up around Westerville.
The Westerville Parks Foundation is working with the Cobert C. Collins Memorial Sculpture Fund to install 22 pieces of Collins’ original art. Collins, a Portsmouth native and most recently a Delaware resident, died in March 2013, having created more than 2,000 sculptures that found homes all over the world in his lifetime.
The memorial fund was started by Mike Collins, Cobert’s son and a Westerville resident, along with his wife and his sister. It owns 50 to 60 of Cobert’s creations, and Mike, because of his long-term involvement with the city – he’s headed the Westerville Parks and Recreation Board and the Westerville Board of Education – wanted to use them to give back to the community
“While I was chair (of the parks board), we created the Parks Foundation,” Mike says. “I have a great deal of affection for Westerville after sitting on the board for five years.”
All 22 of the sculptures that will be on display in city parks are for sale.
“When they’re purchased, a significant (portion) goes to the parks department,” says Randy Auler, city director of parks and recreation.
The city couldn’t be more receptive to the project, Auler says.
“It’s a win-win-win relationship for the citizens,” he says. “We understand the value of art in Westerville, so we try to provide opportunities to enhance that vision for the people.”
Three pieces were sold in the summer of 2013, Mike says, and three are currently on display at Westerville Square.
Lauren Andrews is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Cobert C. Collins' work can be found on four different continents. He served as artist in residence at Switzerland's Chateau de Bonmont un Cheserex.
