Community members, artists admire new sculptures Downtown

By Leah Rainwater

The Allied Arts Council welcomed community members to the official “First Walk” of Downtown sculptures on Wednesday.

A crowd gathered for the guided tour, learning about all 15 new artworks in St. Joseph.

Artists from all over the country have pieces in this year’s Sculpture Walk.

One featured artist, Gedion Nyanhongo, is from Ohio, but he was born in Zimbabwe and learned his craft while he grew up in Africa.

This year, Nyanhongo submitted two sculptures to the walk, “Lean on Me” and “Melody.” It’s not the first time Nyanhongo has submitted a piece to be judged in the Sculpture Walk.

He said he’s grateful for the opportunities the sculpture walk has given him.

“This event has proven a welcome for interracial, every culture, any culture to be welcome,” said Nyanhongo. “In this city, in this community, in this life and year in America.”

Nyanhongo’s piece “Motherly Love” from last year’s sculpture walk, was chosen to be a permanent piece in Downtown St. Joseph.

“To be here and to have this city pick my piece for its permanent home here, it takes me to a place where I feel welcome to America,” Nyanhongo said.

Participants met on the corner of Fourth and Felix streets to check out the artwork together and vote on their favorite one.

Ballots to vote can be found in a walking tour brochure, which can be found in numerous Downtown shops and restaurants. These can be submitted at the boxes located at Seventh and Felix streets and Eighth and Felix streets.

People can vote anytime before the deadline of Jan. 31, 2025. Votes will help determine the People’s Choice Award winner.