Donors ensure 2 Rockford sculptures won’t disappear

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A pair of public art pieces installed in spring will remain on display permanently thanks to local philanthropic organizations and a family business.

“Magical Thinking,” which depicts a giant gold bunny with a furrowed brow popping out of a magician’s hat, has been purchased for permanent display through the David & Colleen Anderson Charitable Foundation and Bucciferro Family McDonald’s.

The sculpture is situated in front of Rockford City Market pavilion next to Disco Chicken.

“We’re excited to be a part of bringing some fun and whimsy to downtown Rockford,” Guy Bucciferro said in a news release. “It’s great to see the city really come coming to life and realizing its full potential of being a great place to live and work.”

Sculptures are typically leased for a two-year period unless permanently donated or secured for permanent display through donation or sponsorship.

“Hold Me Up,” an abstract piece by Ben Pierce located south of Veterans Memorial Circle, was donated by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation. The charitable organization has worked to support the arts in the Rockford area since its founding in 1960.

“Public arts are, by definition, accessible to all and have the potential to positively impact the entirety of a space and those within it,” Leanna Reidy with Dean Alan Olson Foundation said in a news release. “‘Hold Me Up’ is a perfect addition to the already beautifully maintained Veterans Circle. We hope this particular piece will have a positive impact on Rockford’s North End for years to come.”

The two sculptures were among five installed in May around the city. A sixth was installed in September.

They were done as part of Go Rockford’s CRE8IV: transformational art initiative to beautify the region through public art.

“Public art is a vital part of Rockford’s cultural landscape. These pieces enrich our community, attract tourists and provide a lasting impact that benefits our entire region,” said Kristen Paul, GoRockford’s executive vice president. “We are grateful to the Dean Alan Olson Foundation, the Anderson Foundation and the Bucciferro Family McDonald’s for their generous support in making this possible.”

GoRockford said both “Hold Me Up” and “Magical Thinking” have been beloved additions to the city’s public art.

“Magical Thinking” was created by Actual Size Artworks, a Stoughton, Wisconsin-based sculpting duo of Gail Simpson and Aristotle Georgiades.

“We are so happy to see Magical Thinking remain in downtown Rockford for generations to enjoy. It’s such a playful and unique sculpture that brings an element of surprise and playfulness to the community,” said David Anderson with David and Colleen Anderson Charitable Foundation. “Public art like this beautifies our city and creates a sense of identity and pride, making Rockford a place where creativity is celebrated and shared. It’s an honor to contribute to a legacy that makes our city both welcoming and inspiring.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas