Fifty years later, the legacy sculpture from artist Christian Petersen still stands out in Marshalltown.
The bronze sculpture, "A Dedication to the Future," focuses on a father holding up his infant son, and is featured in the reflecting pond at Fisher Community Center.
It was completed in 1961 just before Petersen died and installed in 1963.
Article Photos
T-R PHOTO BY ANDREW POTTER
This sculpture, “A Dedication to the Future,” has been a focal point of art in the community for 50 years. It is located in the reflecting pond at Fisher Community Center.
"I think it's remarkable," Janet Busch, business manager with the Central Iowa Art Association, said.
Petersen was commissioned to do the work by his friend, Bill Fisher. The inscription on the sign located at the edge of the pond tells the story of what message the artist was trying convey with the piece.
"We lift up our young to see beyond that which we can see," the sign reads.
With the fountains, pond and surrounding work, it makes for a serene setting for visitors.
"I like the tranquility of it," Busch said. "You can go out there and listen to the water from the fountain."