Muskegrown

Things are hoppin' at the Portal site on Shoreline Drive! Here are the latest updates: -

**Excavation**: Completed last week by Jackson-Merkey. They will return after the concrete is poured to backfill and compact as needed. -

**Concrete Work**: - Forms built by R.A. Holmes yesterday. - First phase of the foundation poured this morning. -

**Electrical Work**: Belasco has been on-site performing necessary electrical tasks. -

**Site Preparation**: Soils and Structures is donating some of their services to the project. -

**Engineering**: Prein and Newhoff, a firm in Norton Shores, is handling all engineering work. -

**Fabrication**: Versatile Fabrication is doing remarkable work on the sculpture itself.

# # # Highlights: -

**Artist**: Lee S. Brown, a long-time Muskegon-area award-winning artist. -

**Local Involvement**: All work is being carried out by Muskegon and Muskegon-area contractors and companies. -

**Community-Focused**: All funds donated are staying within the community. Muskegon conceived. Muskegon built.

# # # Project Timeline: - **Expected Completion**: Confidently aiming for August, although this is not a confirmed date. Updates will be provided on the installation and dedication gathering date. -

**Dedication Event**: There will be no unveiling, but a dedication and celebration for this 42'+ giant sculpture. # # # About Corten Steel: -

**Properties**: Corten steel, also known as weathered or weathering steel, develops a rust-colored appearance in a few months, forming a protective patina. -

**Color Evolution**: The initial rust appearance is lighter and will darken over a year or two, continuing to develop a rich, protective color. -

**Artists Using Corten Steel**:
- Richard Serra (San Francisco, CA)
- Donald Judd (Marfa, TX)
- Richard Hunt (Chicago, IL)
- Lee S. Brown (Muskegon, MI)

Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses and for the announcement of our dedication date!

Yes, but does Scrap Soils do biochar? https://www.scrapsoils.com/

If you live close, today, the Mahar family opens their greenhouse for the season. While you're at it, see if the sunflowers have sprouted at Fatbird Seed, also known as the Van Agen Sod Farm ... I love to think about these two neighbors of my parent's farm maintaining a tradition of agriculture. Now add agricultural tourism, and you've given the land purpose for the next millennium.

Entries for the 2024 Audubon Photography Awards are being accepted until Wednesday, Feb. 28. To learn more about this contest and how to enter your photographs, click here: https://www.audubon.org/photoawards-entry