Sponsors needed for more public art on the Trout Run Trail

Decorah artist Doug Eckheart with Decorah Lions Club President Karl Jacobsen

Decorah artist Doug Eckheart told the Decorah Lions Club that there are several artists wanting to have their work placed on the Trout Run Trail, but sponsors for those projects are needed.

Eckheart spoke to the group recently about the process of bringing artwork to the trail.  Three pieces have been placed along the trail; a tile and stone sign at the Decorah Trout Hatchery, a bronze figure overlooking the Upper Iowa River on Dug Road and a metal arch with trout just south of the Bow String Bridge Park. 

Eckheart showed photographs of how the artwork developed, from sketches of ideas, to models, assembly and the finished works in place on the trail.  Eckheart told about the art committee's research into public art in other communities and the process of selecting artists.  The project was paid for through a $100,000 grant from Vision Iowa and matching donations from the public.