The Spirit of Pella non-proft group will unveil a new tribute to the community’s Dutch heritage. The Klompen Heart Sculpture, located in Pella’s historic Klokkenspel Plaza, will be revealed on Saturday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. as part of the Pella Historical Museums King’s Day Celebration.
Inspired by a similar installation in Zaanse Schans, the Netherlands, the sculpture features over 100 Dutch wooden shoes (“klompen”) of all shapes and sizes, donated by local residents, including several that were painted decoratively for this work of art. Janssen Custom Fabrication partnered with Spirit of Pella’s Mural and Arts Committee to design, build, and install the sculpture.
“Representatives from Klompemakerij ‘De Zaanse Schans’ in the Netherlands were wonderful collaborators in this project,” said Lisa Zylstra of Spirit of Pella’s Mural and Arts Committee. “They helped guide our approach to the design, installation, and weather-proofing of the artwork. They are as excited as we are to have traditional Dutch shoes featured in such a prominent way in a community in the United States.”
“We are so fortunate to have the beautiful canvas of Pella’s historic Klokkenspel Plaza,” said Christi Vander Voort of Spirit of Pella. “Our goal when commissioning works of art is to complement our existing architecture, parks, and plazas to create moments of connection and joy. This artwork, along with the Happy Days mural at The Brew Coffee House on Franklin Street and the Forever Pella mural at the Cellar Peanut Pub courtyard and beer garden, celebrates all things Dutch and reminds us of the love we have for each other and this community.”
Spirit of Pella invites everyone to experience this new art installation during King’s Day Festivities.
