Art & About Dedicates New Life-Sized Sculpture in Potthoff Park

Art & About, a committee comprised of a group of citizens and organizations committed to attracting visitors to Riverfront Saginaw and highlighting the creative and collaborative culture of our community through public art, hosted a dedication ceremony for a new, permanent life-sized sculpture, The River Gazer, on Tues., June 17th.  The RIver Gazer is Located on the Saginaw River in Potthoff Park, (near the corner of Atwater St. and S. Water St.) 

Created by artist Ryan Gregory, The River Gazer is a large-scale plaza installation – a ceremonial fantasy vessel rooted in the spirit of the past and designed for the creative energy of the present. Inspired by the steam-powered ships that once traversed the Saginaw River and helped shape the surrounding communities, this piece pays homage to our industrial heritage while creating a new destination for gathering, imagination, and shared experience.

The Art & About Committee began this project by seeking design drafts from sculptors that tied into and reflected the four major industries Saginaw is known for: lumbering, shipping, automotive, and agriculture, according to proect Director Carol Cottrell.

At the heart of the structure is a grand archway crowned with a sculpted acrylic lens, inviting visitors to enter and explore. Towering 16 feet above are twin smokestacks, each holding Fresnel-style lenses that shimmer with shifting light throughout the day. Surrounding the space is an Art Nouveau-inspired trellis, with hand-embossed aluminum shields – each created with custom tools and original designs in a modern industrial mandala style.

“Built from steel rod, aluminum sheet, and polycarbonate acrylic, this piece was a personal and professional evolution,” said Gregory. “It challenged me to invent new techniques, shape heavy materials, and work with precision and intention. From concept to construction, I poured my energy into every detail – not just for the sake of craftsmanship, but to embed a kind of subconscious magnetism into the work. I believe when you're fully immersed in creative flow, that energy lives on in the piece and can be felt by others.”

More than a sculpture, The River Gazer is a space – a living, open invitation to the community.

“I hope it becomes a backdrop for special moments and spontaneous ones alike: ceremonious photos, poetry readings, drum circles, art markets, acoustic jams, yoga sessions, and DIY creative events of all kinds,” said Gregory.

“My greatest wish is that the public makes this installation their own – reshaping it through use, joy, and presence into a true landmark of shared experience,” said Gregory. “I'm deeply grateful to those who helped me realize this vision, and I look forward to seeing how the community fills it with life in the years to come.”

This permanent art installation was made possible thanks to the support of American Excavating, Frank N. Andersen Foundation, City of Saginaw, Covenant HealthCare, Huntington Bank Maxwell Pribil Charitable Trust, Michael & Sarah Jury, Phil Karwat, Nickless Memorial Foundation, Saginaw Community Foundation, Saginaw Community Foundation K. Lucille & James Martineau Family Fund, Saginaw Community Foundation Robert E. Stark & Martin H. Stark Foundation Fund, Spence Brothers, Spicer Group, Billy Webber - Saginaw Rock Products.