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Lansing's Famous 'Gear Head' Statue Brings Interactive Art to Downtown

Gear head

(via National Today)

Lansing’s iconic ‘gear head’ sculpture, officially known as ‘Portrait of a Dreamer,’ is a 15-foot-tall interactive art piece created by Michigan artist Ivan Iler. Installed in 2017 as part of a City of Lansing Arts Impact project, the stainless steel statue features a crank that allows visitors to turn the gears in the head and those spilling out. The sculpture was designed to represent the three cultural organizations located on Museum Drive in downtown Lansing.

Why it matters

The ‘Portrait of a Dreamer’ sculpture has become a beloved landmark in Lansing, drawing visitors to interact with the unique public art piece and explore the city’s cultural district. As a work commissioned by the city, the sculpture reflects Lansing’s commitment to supporting local artists and incorporating interactive art into the urban landscape.

Read the complete National Today article here.
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