A Tribute to the County’s History and Culture
The ‘I Am Allen’ sculpture is part of a larger initiative to honor Allen County’s rich history and diverse communities. As part of the bicentennial celebration, the project features 15 sculptures, each designed by a local artist to represent one of the county’s towns or cities. The unveiling of the Woodburn sculpture was the highlight of the day, with the community coming together to celebrate the milestone.
Mitchell Egly, the artist behind the Woodburn sculpture, designed a piece that reflects the essence of the town’s spirit and heritage. The artwork is part of a broader countywide effort that spans cities and towns such as Leo-Cedarville, Saint Joseph Township, Huntertown, and Fort Wayne, with each sculpture showcasing the unique identity of its respective location.
The Artists and Locations Behind the Sculptures
Here’s a look at the artists and the towns they represented:
- Woodburn — Mitchell Egly
- Leo-Cedarville — Erin Salyers & Jared Applegate
- Saint Joseph Township (Fort Wayne) — Jordan Kurzen
- Huntertown — Jeremy Stroup
- Harlan — Susanne Rhee
- Fort Wayne Airport — Matthew Plett
- Brewer Park (Fort Wayne) — Theoplis Smith III
- Pufferbelly Trail (Fort Wayne) — Julie Wall
- Grabill — Tim Parsley
- Downtown Fort Wayne — Terry Ratliff
- Monroeville — Jeff Aldo Anderson
- Hoagland — Bryan Ballinger
- LaRez Neighborhood (Fort Wayne) — Bonnie Andrews
- New Haven — America Carrillo
- Zanesville — Debera Kuntz
Each sculpture reflects the rich history, culture, and identity of its community, telling the unique story of the residents and the local heritage.
The Role of the NewAllen Alliance
The sculptures in eastern Allen County were sponsored by the NewAllen Alliance, an advocacy group focused on fostering community and economic development. The NewAllen Alliance aims to unite the voices of East Allen County’s communities to support new investments, job creation, and improvements to quality of life. Lindsey Sharp, vice president of the NewAllen Alliance, expressed pride in the community’s legacy and the role public art plays in strengthening connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
“Public art is an incredible community asset, and its ability to connect its patrons to a story and create a sense of belonging is overwhelming,” said Sharp. “Our communities deserve more of it.”
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Festivities
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at the Woodburn Clock Tower, with Mayor Kelsey and other local officials delivering remarks to kick off the event. The ceremony was a chance for residents to gather and celebrate the successful installation of the sculpture, which now stands as a testament to the community’s past and its future.
Following the ceremony, the city invited residents to join in a festive celebration. At 11 a.m., Santa made an appearance at the clock tower, spreading holiday cheer to “the young and young at heart.” Attendees enjoyed Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, chili, and gift bags, making it a day of celebration and togetherness for the community.
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.
- Santa’s visit at 11 a.m., handing out treats and gifts
- Holiday refreshments: Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, and chili
The event not only showcased the beauty of public art but also brought the community together in a shared celebration of Allen County’s bicentennial.
Looking Ahead: More Art and Community Connection
The unveiling of the ‘I Am Allen’ sculpture is just the beginning. As more sculptures are installed across the county, they will continue to serve as a reminder of the rich heritage and the importance of public art in creating a sense of community. With the support of local artists, the NewAllen Alliance, and the community, Allen County will continue to celebrate its history, culture, and the people who make it special.
