"Heads Up" giant sculpture to warn central Iowans of high waters

Photo: Bravo Greater Des Moines

(Des Moines, IA) -- A year from now, a new sculpture is expected to make a very big splash in a central Iowa area waterway. Sally Dix of Bravo Greater Des Moines tells WHO Radio News says the sculpture will be more than just fun to look at, it'll alert those recreating on the water when the water level is high. When the water level is high, the duck's head and half its body will flip underwater- tails up to signal those on the water about the conditions. The piece is to be called "Heads Up." The artist, Matthew Mazzotta is in the area this weekend scouting locations. Work is to begin this winter and the art is to be installed next summer at a location to be determined.

Dix says the effort is part of an initiative called Shoreline Signals, and is a collaboration with ICON Water Trails.

The artwork is funded by a $125,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant to Polk County and Bravo Greater Des Moines.

This design will be implemented at one site initially but more installations may be added.

Photo: Bravo Greater Des Moines


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