Arts Partnership debuts second set of Love Tusc sculptures

NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (May 17, 2024) – The second phase of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership’s sculpture tour project is now complete.

Ten more Love Tusc sculptures made their debut Thursday evening during a preview party at the Kent Tusc Performing Arts Center including one that will be displayed on the college campus. TAP Executive Director Wilma Mullet says it has been a difficult but worthwhile process.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried throughout this. It was definitely a challenge but I’ve found that there have been so many people that have been so supportive behind this, and what really kept it going was that like, ‘Hey, we would really love to see this in our community’ or an artist would send me a concept or a video of them painting there piece, and I’m just like, ‘Oh, this is gorgeous!'”

Zoar’s LoveTusc sculpture was among those on display. Mayor Thomas Klingamen was impressed with the final product which includes depictions of the Zoar Garden and the village’s Separatist founders.

“I think it’s fantastic. I wasn’t part of the original committee that designed it but I think they did a great job. The artist did a great job. I couldn’t be happier with it.” 

Mineral City native Jessica Haney painted the one for her hometown depicting its coal mining and railroad heritage. Mayor Laurie Green says it’s everything she hoped for and more.

“Jessica did paint on the other side a salamander, which when the mines were there and they were abandoned the salamanders disappeared. But when Huff Run came and kind of closed the wells and cleaned that area up, the salamanders are now back.”

Art Honors Society students from Indian Valley High School painted Gnadenhutten’s Love Tusc sculpture, which includes a pattern from the Delaware tribe and an image of the memorial for those who died in the Gnadenhutten massacre. They say it was an enjoyable experience.

“It was very thrilling, honestly. There was a lot of ups and downs with it, and I think that’s the beauty of art… I think it really unified all of us as a class, as a group, as a National Art Honor Society. We all got to grow closer.”

Uhrichsville Mayor Jim Zucal thought JC Dummermuth did a great of capturing the spirit of his city.

“I think it’s awesome. I love the colors. It fits into our theme of the clay industry with the sewer pipe, brick, and the hardworking people that made the city what it is today.”  

The other sculptures in phase 2 were for Baltic, Midvale, Ragersville, and the Norma Johnson Center. There’s supposed to be one for Roswell, too, but it’s awaiting additional funding. Donations to support the cause can be made at tuscarawasartspartnership.org.

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