Along the Waterfront: New public art coming to river site soon

Yesterday, walking partner Greg Lee and I spotted Duane Hagadone inspecting the Coeur d’Alene resort boardwalk and marina. Today? We spotted a worker placing the ground work and foundation for the next significant piece of public art in the city of Coeur d’Alene. We were walking along the Centennial Trail, approaching North Idaho College from the north, when we saw the activity in a small bump-out along the trail and a worker emerging from a hole between three small boulders. He confirmed that it will be the site for the Chief Morris Antelope public art that was the people’s/tribe’s choice during an informal vote taken last spring. Cheryl Metcalf is the artist. Here’s the explanation about the statue that appeared in the Coeur d’Alene Press April 1:

“Chief Morris Antelope” by Cheryl Metcalf - The proposed 8.5-foot bronze sculpture was made to highlight the impact Chief Morris Antelope had in advocating for the Coeur d’Alene Indians. Metcalf wrote that “in the times of vanishing American Indians, Chief Morris Antelope fought for his people’s rights and land.”

I’m nervous that the sculpture may attract vandals because it’s in a secluded location between the college and the sewer plant, along the Spokane River. But I’m excited that I’ll see it almost daily during my noon lunch walks.