What started in September and continued all winter is now nearing completion.  The Welcome to Clark Lake sign is receiving finishing touches under the guidance of Clark Lake artist Annette Fink.  The work is taking place in the Alverno Studio at Lourdes College in Sylvania.  Some of the glazing took place here.  In February, a large group of Clark Lakers gathered in the Beach Bar activity room to apply coats of glaze to the pieces which are now forming the mural.  This week began with a video with Annette explaining what has taken place so far and outlining a timeline for what’s next.

 

Check out this slide show to take in some of the detail.

This work, commissioned by the Spirit Trail, will truly celebrate the vital aura of this community.  The blank slate already stands at the east end on the North Lake Road curve. Once completed, the side facing the road will greet you with the “Welcome to Clark Lake” mural.  On the other side will be the names of donors who have made possible the building, improvement and maintaining of a community hallmark—the Clark Lake Spirit Trail.  Here is the sketch that serves as a guide during construction. 

Creator Annette Fink and her team are volunteering their time to make this work of art a reality.  Annette is also contributing the raw materials necessary to implement the design.  Third party expenses include the large studio where the clay pieces are being crafted and fired.  In May, there will be additional expenses when a professional tiler attaches the mosaics to the surface of the sign.  

The Spirit Trial Committee is conducting a fundraiser to support this activity. Future Trail improvements and extensions are at risk without your help.  

Will you Sign Up for the Sign? 

Those who donate $1000 or more will have their name (or name(s) of their choice) engraved on a 6 x 8 plaque that will be attached to the Spirit Trail side of the sign.  Corporate logos are also welcome for each donation of $2500.

New donors will join the names of those who have already made $1000 donations.  Those donors were recognized on the Jefferson Road section of the Trail.  Unfortunately, the names have eroded and are no longer visible.  That won’t happen with this new sign.  Both the Welcome to Clark Lake on the North Lake Road side and the names of donors on Spirit Trail facing will stand guard for the ages.  The sign and names of donors will serve as a testament to future generations of what Clark Lake means to this generation.  

Names of donors will also be recognized on a dedicated page of this website.  In addition to the $1000 donors, donors of any size will be warmly included on this special page.

What happens if donations exceed the amount needed to cover the building of the sign?  These fund are needed.  A yet to be announced project is looming, and its implementation will encounter significant costs.

Projects at Clark Lake bear a special character.  The building of the Spirit Trail, moving the Kentucky Homestead down the lake, support of Dam Strong and Garden Angels speak volumes.  They are shining examples of this—more than what happened, what’s remarkable is how they happened.  No government edict or taxpayer funding manifested itself.  These projects got done because the people of Clark Lake joined together hand-in-hand.  Creativity fueled visions, goals were set, committees organized, funds were raised, and caring volunteers overcame obstacles and accomplished the mission.    What can be learned from Clark Lake history is this:  when there is need, the means to meet it comes to pass.   Would you like to join the many generous people of Clark Lake in support of this project? 

Donations are tax advantaged through the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation (501c3), and can be made by credit card through this website, or by mail at PO Box 224, Clarklake, MI 49234.  When making a $1000 Sign Up for the Sign donation, please mail content for the 6 x 8 plaque to the post office address.  You can also contact co-chairs Tucker Boyers or Ann Swain at clarklakespirit@gmail.com.

Video, photos, and story:  Rick Belcher