Two families’ sculptures join Spring Lake’s Art in the Park initiative

The Lakeside Trail now features two new works of art donated by the Doss and Rhem families.

The Village of Spring Lake unveiled the unique statues along the Lakeside Trail on Nov. 22, during dedication ceremonies with each family.

“The Doss and Rhem families are a large part of the Spring Lake community, and we are honored to have been gifted two beautiful works of art in their names,” says Tyra Jonas, village communications director.

Commissioned piece

“The Butterfly” sculpture, originally located in the Structural Concepts building in Norton Shores, can now be found along the pathway of the Lakeside Trail and the hockey rink in Central Park.

This sculpture was commissioned in honor of Kay Doss and donated to the Village of Spring Lake by the Doss family. The Dosses decided to relocate the sculpture so all could enjoy it.

Longtime residents of the Spring Lake community, the Rhem family also donated the sculpture “Time Passages.” It was placed at the northeast corner of North Lake and Lakeside Trail.

“I heard Spring Lake was looking for sculptures to add to their ‘Art in the Park’ initiative, so I called the village to see if they would be interested in putting our family’s sculpture on display,” says David Rhem.

Bill Mayer sculpture

The sculpture initially lived in the Rhems’ front yard and belonged to Nancy Rhem and her husband, the late Richard Rhem, who was an active member of the community and minister at Christ Community Church. The Rhem family wanted to honor his legacy by placing the sculpture in the village for everyone to see and enjoy.

“Time Passages” was created by Billy Mayer, the well-known artist and Hope College professor who died in 2017. It was named by Nancy and Richard’s son, David.

“We weren’t able to find the original sculpture title, so I named it ‘Time Passages’ because the sculpture looks like a grandfather clock when it is in motion, and people will pass by the work of art while walking along the trail,” says David.

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