LAKE DEITY


A Proposal for Sculpture Along the Shores of Lake Michigan

This proposal presents “Lake Deity”, a large-scale sculpture designed for placement along the shores of Lake Michigan. It seeks to honor the lake’s spiritual and ecological significance, offering a public space for reflection, interaction, and celebration. Drawing from both classical and modernist traditions, the sculpture is envisioned as a striking, inviting form — a living monument to the vital role the lake plays in the life of Southwest Michigan.

THE SPIRIT OF THE GREAT LAKE

The word deity means divine nature, immortal goodness, and elemental power. Across cultures, water is often personified or revered as a spiritual force, capable of creation and renewal. Lake Deity reflects this view by giving form to the spirit of Lake Michigan, whose vast waters sustain life, connect communities, and serve as a powerful natural presence in the landscape.

Krasl Art Center is an advocate for this project and supports Foster Willey in this endeavor.

To sponsor, pledge, and support Lake Deity, please contact curatorial@krasl.org

SITE PLACEMENT AND ORIENTATION

The sculpture will be placed as close to Lake Michigan as possible, oriented to the west, toward the setting sun. Its placement will align with the summer solstice, allowing the artwork to serve as a marker for this annual natural event — a moment of light, lake, and shared ritual. The shoreline location ensures high visibility, encourages public use, and integrates the sculpture into the daily rhythms of visitors and residents.

COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION

“Lake Deity” will incorporate a community engagement process, inviting local input during its development. To further involve the public, a limited edition scale model of the sculpture will be offered as a gesture of appreciation to key sponsors and supporters. This creates both funding potential and a broader sense of ownership and participation.

Lake Deity model

Limited Edition Bronze / 12” H

For more information contact Foster at foster@fosterwilley.com