Wheeling gaunt sculpture project
Engaging community through public art with grant-based initiatives
CLIENT
Yellow Springs Arts Council.
Located in southwest Ohio (20 miles from Dayton, OH), the Yellow Springs Arts Council honors, promotes and advocates for our community’s creative spirit, strengthening its capacity to build economic prosperity and enhance quality of life.
DELIVERABLES
Grant writing, campaign management, press outreach
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Conceived and executed by national artist Brian Maughan, the Wheeling Gaunt sculpture commemorates Wheeling Gaunt, born enslaved, whose hard work, perseverance, and generosity made him a legend in his Yellow Springs, OH, hometown. Gaunt’s monument also commemorates the vibrant Black community he helped build in the 1800s, and is a vigilant welcome to visitors students, and residents.
OUTCOME
After four years, three project phases, and the COVID-19 outbreak, Yellow Springs Arts Council successfully installed the Wheeling Gaunt Sculpture in Hilda M. Rahn Park on the north end of Yellow Springs. Our team successfully raised over $200k for the project’s development and installation, as well as educational outreach and related community events. Major donors include The Yellow Springs Community Foundation, The Morgan Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, Puffin Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, and Arts Midwest.
