Commissioned by Reconnecting to our Waterways–a collective impact project bringing attention to the city’s waterways as a cultural, community, and ecological resource–Great Blue Heron calls attention to the revitalized Spruce Bridge along Pleasant Run Creek. The sculpture is made of painted and shaped steel rod and represents a common Indiana water bird with a fish in its mouth. The artist was selected through a community-engaged process and the sculpture was designed after extensive consultation with neighborhood residents. It is his hope that the sculpture will bring many years of enjoyment, a sense of calm when viewed, and a dialogue around stream and river quality.

As a historic piece of the city’s past designed by legendary architect George Kessler in the early 1900s, Spruce Bridge was an instrumental part in Kessler’s vision of creating a series of greenspaces near Indianapolis’ natural waterways that would provide healthy recreation areas for the enjoyment of all. The neighboring community is currently engaged in a multi-pronged effort to bring Pleasant Run back to its former glory.

Patrick (Pat) Mack is an Indianapolis-based metal sculptor and photographer.  A native of South Bend, Indiana and a graduate of the art program at IU Bloomington, he is inspired by the work of artists Jacob Epstein, Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, Auguste Rodin, and Frederick Hart. He says that the essential purpose and value of his work is to deepen our own sense of humanity through a balance of form and content, to evoke our dreams, deepen our spirituality, and give hope to darkness.