Nearly a year in the making, the sculpture drew big smiles and celebration when revealed in John and Lavinia Rockwell Park on Fowler Lake. Harmony is a celebration of Oconomowoc’s pastime – life on the lake with those you love. It captures the whimsy and togetherness found when enjoying the outdoors.
“This is the fourth sculpture the festival has given to the city and community,” explained Betty Reul, Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts board member during the ceremony Tuesday. It’s also a celebration of the City’s 150th anniversary.
Just like the five “Os” that make up Oconomowoc, the story comes full circle. The connections include the festival’s relationship with local gallery owner, David Barnett who connected the festival board with Hallett, to commission the piece. Another connection, Hallett is an Oconomowoc resident. He’s a retired veterinarian and has lived in Oconomowoc since 1994. He recently completed his Master of Fine Arts degree at Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
The board then connected Hallett with two members of the Herro family. The Herros are longtime Oconomowoc residents, and graciously donated a portion of the land to make the creation of Rockwell Park possible. Harmony is inspired from a photoshoot at Rockwell Park with Mike Herro and his niece, Eddy. The two spent an afternoon enjoying life on the lake in Rockwell Park posing for photos, playing along the shoreline. At the end of the shoot, Eddy candidly hopped on her uncle’s shoulders and Hallett said that was the unforgettable moment.
Harmony’s unveiling kicks off Oconomowoc’s Festival Week. A celebration of free events and fine arts in the community with free access to all to enjoy them. The week’s lineup culminates with an outdoor beer garden starting Thursday. A free outdoor concert featuring, The Decade, at City Beach Park Friday. The Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts runs 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday in Fowler Park. Free shuttles to the park are available with info on the festival website, oconomowocarts.org. Saturday night head to City Beach Park for a free concert by the Oconomowoc American Legion band followed by a lighted boat parade and fireworks.