Mayor Don Walters has announced that local icon Don Drumm has created an original stainless steel sculpture, “Birdsnest,” that will be installed at High Bridge Glens Park, 1817 Front Street, in the fall of 2022. The statue will stand at over 25 feet, be affixed to a base roughly two feet tall, and be uplit during evening hours. The piece will be cut and fabricated locally by Quality Fabrication & Assembly, LLC. The statue is the first public art piece approved by the Cuyahoga Falls Public Arts Board.
"We know that public art positively impacts community health and tourism and can serve as an economic driver in cities like Cuyahoga Falls," said Mayor Don Walters. "The City is thrilled to partner with renowned artist Don Drumm on an installation that elevates public space and honors the residents of Cuyahoga Falls who intend to ensure that beautiful public spaces continue to be a highlight of our community."
“I am excited that the first installation of public art approved by the Cuyahoga Falls Public Art has been created by iconic local artist Don Drumm,” stated Cuyahoga Falls Public Art Board President Rick Krochka. “’ Birdsnest’ will further enhance the appeal and aesthetics of Downtown Cuyahoga Falls and will be able to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Public art is often utilized as a placemaking tool to help strengthen the connection and interaction between public spaces and people. In discussing the intentionality of how the sculpture will interact with its surroundings at High Bridge Glens Park, artist Don Drumm said, “the design is based on how the sun will hit it and how it will relate to the environment that it goes in.”
The Cuyahoga Falls Public Art Board unanimously approved the public art installation on January 6, 2022, and Cuyahoga Falls City Council on April 25, 2022. The City of Cuyahoga Falls remains committed to providing free access to public art for all to enjoy.