'Nature' art gets spot on Batavia bridge

Drivers on Wilson Street in Batavia may soon be able to contemplate something beautiful as they cross over the Fox River.

The Batavia City Council has picked the first of four sculptures to adorn its new bridge.

"Nature Sounds of Harmony," by Kai Schulte of Sugar Grove, got the nod. Now the city and sculptor will negotiate a purchase price.

"I liked the stainless steel material he used. I think that is very interesting," said Alderman Alan Wolff Thursday, because it is different from bronze, the metal typically used for a lot of outdoor sculptures.

And "I like the kinetic movement of the thing," he said, noting the stainless steel cattails will move in the wind.

The sculpture will be placed on one of four outlooks on the new bridge. Each sculpture is to represent a value of Batavia: nature, art, history and science. One sculpture will be picked per year.

"This really is a call to the future," Mayor Jeff Schielke told the council Monday night, noting that if the new bridge lasts as long as the old bridge did (95 years), the sculpture will be viewed millions of times by drivers and their passengers.

Finishing touches are still being put on the bridge, known as the William J. Donovan Bridge. Construction began in February 2007. Work was delayed by weather and high river water.

The council reviewed models of five finalists, from an initial 16 entries.

Schulte helped establish the Art Stop sculpture display at Wilson Street and Route 25. That's his "Kaleidoscope" outside the Batavia Government Center, and he also designed the stainless steel "Book" at the Batavia Public Library.

The models for all five finalists will remain on display in the city council chamber through the fourth annual Art in Your Eye Fine Art Show and Festival Saturday and Sunday.