Art project will honor school, family and community

— Angie Steffen Laurel Advocate

LAUREL — Laurel alumni want to make sure and leave their mark.

That mark is being designed by Sculptor Mike Fluent, who  has been commissioned by the LCC Alumni Association to create and install an art placement sculpture in the school as an Alumni Corner.

“The concept will include a celebration of community, family and school coming together,’’ said LCC Supt. Jeremy Christiansen. “The overall concept is a Unity Tree for the alumni corner - a space located in the high school near the cafeteria and gymnasiums. His commitment includes involving high school students - industrial technology students for work with welding and art department students for work with textures and different concept designs for the project.’’

The project goal for completion is Ag Days, June 2020. Organizer Diana Badley said the project will be located in the corner of the alumni wall near the new digital yearbook.

“The school recognizes and appreciates its unique history having been created through consolidation and merging of area school systems over the years. Each school community offers a unique history and contribution,” Christiansen said. “Yet LCC School now stands poised to create its own unique identity moving into the future. We were approached by the Alumni Association and Diana Badley with the initial concept.  We are excited to collaborate to make their dream a reality in honoring the past and looking to the future.”

Badley has an art background, including work in graphic design, which she put to use in brainstorming and researching the project. Badley said she used her art connections to find Mike Fluent of Wayne because of his work in metal.  

“I love his work,’’ Badley said of Fluent. “He wants to involve the students in it. He wants them to learn different methods from this project.’’

“Techniques involved will include welding artwork and torch work for an all metal sculpture. The 3D prototype for the project is timeless. Consolidations are happening more often. I think everyone can appreciate the statement it makes, even though we are all rooted in different communities we can come together to grow as one,’’ she said. “We had the idea for a tree from the alumni board. Basically the alumni have been working toward creating an alumni wall. I did some brainstorming with Sandra Cross. Jeremy Christiansen was involved in the planning stages.’’

“Diana Badley was instrumental in doing the initial research for the sculpture project.  She is a key individual in this project. She sought out area artists specializing in sculpture and was eventually connected with Mike Fluent in Wayne,’’ Christiansen said. “It was important for the group to have a locally regional artist who could connect with the focus and meaning behind the project.”

Fluent has been creating art for 30-40 years. 

“I started doing wood carving and photography as art therapy after military service. I enjoyed looking at art and decided to start doing it.  I did pottery and small and big carvings. I have worked in stainless steel and glass. Painting and drawing are simpler art forms. Sculpture becomes more complicated,’’ Fluent said. “This project will involve stainless steel sheets and rounds and some other shapes bought from Norfolk Iron and Metal.’’

Students involved in the project will be at the high school level and will include those enrolled in courses through the industrial technology and art programs. 

“I realize the students have other school work and not a lot of time for this project, however, they are welcome to become involved as much as they want to be,’’ Fluent said. “Industrial arts class students will help design the tree. There may also be some cross over when the students work in each other’s areas. I hope this project broadens their view.’’

After this project, Fluent said, he hopes students will want to find out more about art and look into it more.

The number of students involved is yet to be determined.

“At this time, it’s difficult to say just how many students will be involved,’’ Christiansen said. “I am most excited about the partnership of the local artist and his commitment to involvement of our school community youth in the project.”

After finishing with a show Jan. 26, Fluent said he will switch to the LCC project. He began preliminary concept work in his studio shortly after the first of the year.