ALEX SENNA’S EXPRESSIVE SCULPTURES ENLIVEN THE LAKESIDE
Brazilian Artist Alex Senna is making a big impact with his Little Giants, LAND’s most recent major public art project. Conceived of by the artist and constructed in Ohio by Toledo-based Graphite Design + Build, two large-scale 3D sculptures now overlook Lake Erie at Wendy Park. Senna’s expressive, lanky characters bring a unique softness to their urban surroundings, depicting themes of love and friendship. These artworks will be on display for the next year before finding a permanent home in a Cleveland neighborhood. We extend a special thanks to our partner Cleveland Metroparks for providing such a beautiful space for these sculptures. Bring a picnic and a friend to Wendy Park and enjoy one of Cleveland’s best vistas alongside this incredible artwork!
keeping community and collaboration at the heart of our work
We at LAND are delighted to share the latest developments from our team, highlighting a range of exciting projects that are shaping the future of our city.
partnership leads to vibrant spaces and thriving neighborhoods
This season, we’ve had the privilege of working on a range of initiatives that celebrate art, community, and the transformation of public spaces. From the installation of Alex Senna’s expressive sculptures at Wendy Park to the unveiling of Derek Brennan’s Let Us Try mural in
collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we continue to create new spaces that connect and inspire. As we look to the future, the ongoing work at Irishtown Bend represents a significant investment in both infrastructure and community. The installation of bulkheads marks a crucial step toward stabilizing the hillside, paving the way for a new riverfront park that will offer breathtaking views and new opportunities for connection along the Cuyahoga River.
These projects are united by a common thread: the creation of new spaces through new partnerships that enrich our community and build a more vibrant, inclusive Cleveland. We are grateful for your continued support!
GREG PECKHAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
COVER IMAGE C/O BOB PERKOSKI
Alex Senna (2nd from right) and members of the LAND crew
mural celebrates a lasting legacy of infrastructure
The mural honors Corps contributions across history
In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Cleveland artist Derek Brennan has completed Let us Try, a mural that pays tribute to the Corps’ enduring dedication to public service.
Located on E. 9th St., south of Voinovich Park, the artwork prominently features the Corps’ motto, “Essayons” (French for “Let Us Try”), beneath a depiction of Moses Cleaveland. The design weaves together emblems like USACE’s iconic castle logo with scenes of engineers engaged in critical tasks like bridge construction, environmental
restoration, and dam development. The mural’s intricate details highlight the precision, teamwork, and core values that define the Corps.
We are proud to have partnered USACE on this meaningful project, which not only beautifies our community, but also serves as a lasting testament to those who build and protect our nation’s infrastructure.
new bulkheads bolster hillside at Irishtown Bend
The community’s vision for Irishtown Bend Park is only possible once the 25-acre hillside has been stabilized. The massive effort to secure the Cuyahoga River’s shipping channel is underway right now under the leadership of the Port of Cleveland. Hillside stabilization has two critical components: Removing excess soil
and weight from the hillside and constructing steel bulkheads along the shoreline.
The photos above illustrate the scale of the Port’s work to remove dirt and reshape the landscape. Bulkhead installation, which begins this fall and will last into the end of 2025, involves careful placement of pipes and sheet piles along the riverbank. The new
bulkheads will provide essential support to prevent erosion, protect vital infrastructure, and add aquatic habitat through green infrastructure elements.
The stabilization project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, making way for construction of Irishtown Bend Park to begin in 2026.
LAND LOVE
IMAGE C/O BOB PERKOSKI
IMAGES C/O JEFF HOLBURY, DRONE OHIO
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2024 THE SPACES BETWEEN
IN THIS ISSUE I Collaboration boosts community : New developments on the banks of Irishtown Bend : A mural celebrates a legacy of shaping landscapes
a whimsical mural celebrates outdoor adventure
A new artwork by Cleveland-based Sarah Beth Morgan now brightens Public Square’s Café Art Wall. Known for her narrative-driven style, Sarah Beth brings local wildlife to life as seen through the eyes of two children exploring the Cuyahoga Valley.
Inspired by her own outdoor observations and her recent work in children’s book illustration, Sarah Beth infuses this piece with playful characters and a touch of fantasy — complete with a scarf-wearing squirrel! The mural captures the magic of Cleveland’s woodlands and invites
viewers to imagine the wonders that await just beyond their windows.
Come experience the joy and wonder of Backyard Adventure, on view through November, and let it inspire your own explorations of the natural world around you.
