GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A 16-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa has been installed in downtown Grand Rapids.
Commissioned by the DeVos family, the sculpture titled "The Four Elements" is located on the northeast corner of Monroe Avenue and Lyon Street NW.
"We have been inspired by the long history in Grand Rapids of so many others bringing in significant and unique art to serve as an integral feature of downtown and, in many ways, the front step into our community," Pamella DeVos said in a statement.
Alice Walker, vice president of public relations firm Truscott Rossman, previously said the DeVos family paid for the sculpture. A project cost was not disclosed.
"The addition of this Plensa piece is meant to portray a welcoming message of unity and diversity and is a wonderful addition to our city's legacy and public collection," DeVos said.
The 5,400-pound sculpture uses letters and element symbols for air, water, fire and earth to form a human figure. It's meant to signify "the many different characteristics that bring people together to form a single human race," according to a news release.
Plensa has created projects displayed publicly in cities like Chicago, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, Montreal, London, Dubai, Bangkok, Shanghai and Tokyo.
"Grand Rapids' reputation as an art destination has been growing for decades," Experience Grand Rapids President and CEO Doug Small said in a statement. "As community leaders help to bring the work of acclaimed international artists to our doorstep, it not only enhances the 'quality of place' for area residents – it enhances the draw for visitors from across the country and around the world."
This is the third Plensa piece in the Grand Rapids area, joining two others located at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss called the sculpture "one more point of pride" for the city.