HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 02 Lane Community College (LCC) Mill Race Log SculpturesMarch 19, 2012
Springfield Upbeat
LCC Mill Race Sculptures Recognition
Jesse Jones (City) and Lee Imonen (LCC)
The Background:
The City of Springfield and Lane Community College (LCC) recently worked together to salvage logs from
the Mill Race Restoration construction site. Students at LCC have used some of the salvaged wood to
create 3‐D sculptures that incorporate themes related to the Mill Race and the history of Springfield.
These sculptures are currently on display in the City Hall lobby. The sculptures range in size, with some
freestanding and others placed in the display cases.
This partnership has been beneficial to both parties. LCC was able to secure a long term supply of wood
for teaching purposes while the City was able to clear the logs from the construction site at no cost. LCC
plans to use the remaining wood in future sculpture classes. This partnership between LCC and the City
of Springfield should result in future display opportunities.
The Assignment:
Students from Lane Community College’s Wood Sculpture course were given the challenge of creating a
sculpture which in some way reflects the history, culture, or geographical area of Springfield and the
larger region.
The inspiration for the project began with a generous gift from the City of Springfield; the Mill Pond logs
from the former Booth‐Kelly mill site. Through site and historical research, students soon realized that
some of these logs may have been over 100 years old, and that many have been buried deep in the
pond for most of the past century. These logs represent not only a precious natural resource, but also
function as a time‐capsule, buried in the center of Springfield.
The availability of this material for student use is a unique opportunity. One that can help to illuminate
the area’s historical past, contribute to its cultural present, and continue this dialogue with the
community into the future.