Dearborn Racing to Raise Funds for Horse Sculpture by Oct. 14

Submitted by Leslie Herrick

And they’re off!

It’s a race to the finish line to raise funds by Oct. 14 to purchase “Gaze,” the horse sculpture located on the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center grounds and make it a permanent addition to Dearborn’s public art collection.

Affectionately referred to as Dearborn’s resident mustang, “Gaze” has been on loan to the community for two years as part of the city’s "Art in Public Places – Midwest Sculpture Initiative." The sculpture was to remain in Dearborn through April 2014 and discussions focused on raising the $16,000 over a longer period of time in order to purchase it.

A recent phone call dramatically changed the time frame.

The city of Hastings has made an offer to purchase “Gaze,” and would like to move it out of Dearborn immediately. Thus the challenge. Funds to purchase “Gaze” must be secured by Oct. 14 or the sculpture gallops off to Hastings.

“Gaze,” located at the south entrance to the Performing Arts Center, has become a favorite of residents. The creation of artist James Oleson, “Gaze” is made of recycled materials and found objects, a fact that does not become apparent until closer inspection.

Donations of any amount are needed to help purchase this life-size figure of a horse for Dearborn residents and visitors to continue to enjoy.

Donations towards the purchase of “Gaze” can be made to the Dearborn Community Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Such donations are tax deductible to the full extent permitted under law.

For further information on how to contribute to fundraiser, contact the DCF office at 313-943-5478 or e-mail dearborncommunityfund@ci.dearborn.mi.us. 

All donors will be included in the community support acknowledgments and invited to join in the “winner's circle” dedication celebration tentatively scheduled for May 2014.

Donation checks may be made payable to the Dearborn Community Fund and mailed to: DCF/Gaze, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI., 48126.

Please enclose a self-addressed envelope. In the event the $16,000 goal is not met, checks will be returned unless the donor specifies otherwise.