The Michigan Maritime Museum is proud to host their first, limited-time traveling exhibit and art installation, Pisces Spiral. Comprised of hundreds of handmade fantastical fish, Pisces Spiral was created through a community engagement collaboration of local artist Joan Bonnette and the South Haven Center for the Arts. The installation will be on display now through April 14 and is included with general admission to the Museum.
Pisces Spiral is truly a community collaboration and art exhibit. The hundreds of extraordinary fish which comprise the installation have been made by area artists, including groups at the Van Buren Senior Center, Scott Club, the Mitten Children’s Museum, and area schools since its first exhibition at the South Haven Center for the Arts in 2018. “It was a joy to see all the unique and fantastical fish created by artists, students and friends,” SHCA Executive Director Kerry Hagy remembered. “It is our pleasure to participate in the project once again and we look forward to seeing the artful fish on display this time at the Maritime Museum!”
The message at the heart of Pisces Spiral is closely tied to the mission of the Michigan Maritime Museum, which makes this collaboration a natural one. The handmade fish are constructed out of a variety of materials, including recyclable plastic and trash that can end up polluting Michigan’s waterways if not disposed of properly. Displayed in a large spiral, guests are invited to walk through the path as they think about the need to keep our water clean, un-polluted, and safe for both creatures and humans. “At the heart of this exhibit is an important message about Great Lakes stewardship and how it takes all of us as a community working together to ensure the future of our freshwater culture,” said Ashley Deming, the Museum’s Director of Education and Administration. “Our Inland Seas tell the stories of our past, present and future, and the Michigan Maritime Museum strives to preserve and protect that legacy.”
Pisces Spiral continues to grow and you’ll have your own chance to contribute to this meaningful meditation! Artist Joan Bonnette will join the Museum for a workshop on April 3 from 1-2:30 pm for attendees to create their own fish to add to the piece. “With the maritime connection and promoting clean, fresh water, the maritime museum seemed like a perfect fit,” Bonnette said.
For more information about Pisces Spiral and any of the Michigan Maritime Museum’s other events and exhibits, please visit www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org.
Event Details
- Pisces Spiral On Display at the Michigan Maritime Museum
- Dates: March 3 – April 14, 2023
- Location: 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090
- Cost: Included with general admission
