Edgewater Hill Blue Birds November 30, 2006

About the Work

Edgewater Hill is a small section of Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. It is characterized by turn of the century homes, industrial warehouses, and the new Battery Park Development on the site of a former Eveready Battery plant. One of the most appealing aspects of the neighborhood is its proximity to Cleveland’s largest lakefront park, Edgewater. While the neighborhood is separated from the park by a rail line and the lakefront highway, the relationship between the neighborhood and the Lake Erie shoreline is important.

The Blue Bird sculptures can be attached to any vertical surface within the Edgewater Hill neighborhood. Thirty-five sculptures were installed throughout the area. On utility pole, street corners, warehouse buildings, and homes, the Edgewater Hill Blue Birds make visible the connection between the neighborhood and Lake Erie. During the summer months, some of the Blue Birds are hidden in the trees. In the fall and winter, the Blue Birds will reveal themselves and appear as bright blue ornaments set off against the seasonal backdrops.

How It Started

Lake Erie is part of what is known as the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory flight path for birds. Each year, migrating birds fly across the Great Lakes. Finding places to rest and refuel is a part of their journey, for which Cleveland’s shoreline plays a critical role. While resting on the shores of Lake Erie, some birds double their weight before continuing their migration.

Media

Bird sculptures cast in translucent blue resin and perched on a simple aluminum post

The Outcome

The Edgewater Hill Blue Bird project is a collaboration between the Edgewater Hill Block Club, Detroit Shoreway Community Development Corporation, Ward 17 Councilman Matt Zone, Neighborhood Progress Inc., Neighborhood Connections, and Cleveland Public Art.

To watch an interview with artist, Mark A. Reigelman II, and Edgewater Hill Block Club Co-leader, Crystal Coakley, click here.