If you have been on Schoolcraft’s campus the past few years, you may have noticed the growing number of metal sculptures gracing our grounds. However, most people do not know that these artworks were made by their fellow students.
Professor Melissa Machnee is a Certified Welding Educator and a mixed-media artist. She is a third-generation welder, and specializes in creating metal sculptures. Machnee worked tirelessly to bring this outdoor sculpture project to life. She spent years writing grants and plotting what was needed for approval from administration.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for them. Most of my students don’t have the confidence to display their work or think that they’re worthy of it.” said Machnee. To anyone who may be on the fence about displaying their own artwork, Machnee continues, “You can do it. It’s worth it. Art is a form of communication, it is your platform to speak to the world. Say things that aren’t as traditionally spoken.”
Homayra Adiba is one of the artists whose work is featured. Her piece, titled “A Letter to My Father,” is situated between the Health Sciences Center and the BioTech Center. The sculpture is of a paper airplane facing upwards towards the sky. The piece has writing of three different languages etched into it– Bengali, Hindi and English. Adiba was very close with her father, who passed away during the pandemic. Adiba explained the mundanity of losing a loved one. The day it happens is earth-shattering, but then the grief becomes a part of your life. When asked why she chose a paper airplane for the sculpture, Adiba explained that when she lost her father, she wrote him a letter. The letter wouldbe everything she would say to her father if she could one last time.
“I felt like if I made a paper airplane, took it outside and flew it away, would it ever reach my father? I feel like it’s absurd to even think about, but it could very well be that when I write or when I think, my father already knows. I don’t even have to write it down,” said Adiba.
Another one of her works was “A Flag of All Nations,” which stood next to the entrance to the Liberal Arts. This piece was a memorial to everyone who experienced loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sculpture consisted of a metal rod, which held a flag made up of surgical masks stitched together. Adiba took Machnee’s outdoor sculpture class during the pandemic, which is also when she had lost her father. The piece was a tribute to her father and to anyone who has experienced the loss of loved ones.
Throughout the pandemic, every nation found a community in loss and uncertainty. The sculpture was also an experimental project for Adiba, who wanted to see how the fabric would weather. Over time, the masks were dirty and worn from the harsh elements, but the material was resilient. An incalculable amount of masks were discarded, and due to negligence, they continue to pollute the environment.
Another artist Marilyn Strandt has been creating metal sculptures since 2005 – before Machnee was hired. In fact, Machnee was a student of the instructor that taught Strandt. Although it has been nearly 20 years, Strandt doesn’t consider herself a professional.
“Machnee tells me I am, but I choose not to sell my work,”said Stradt.
Strandt prefers to give her art away. At 81 years old, art is for passion, not a profession. Her goal is to give the messages from her soul out to people through her artwork.
One of her sculptures sits in front of the Bradner Library, named “More Than One Way.” Strandt intends to donate the piece to a campground that is currently being built in Brighton, Michigan. When it opens, veterans and their families will be able to camp, free of charge. One of the biggest problems veterans face is a high suicide rate.
“These people come home and are emotionally distraught,” said Strandt.. “They can’t see a way out of their problems, so they end their lives.” The message she wants to convey in this piece is that suicide is not the answer– there are ways to get better.
Strandt was very adamant about making sure Machnee was credited for making the Outdoor Sculpture project possible. Machnee has an incredible ability to lift people up. Many individuals have mentioned how powerful of a motivator she is, and how she’s helped them grow as an artist. Strandt currently has five sculptures displayed on Schoolcraft’s campus.
“Machnee sent a strong message to her students. Your art can be here. You are good enough to be shown,” said Strandt.
Not every piece of art on campus has a plaque, or even the artist’s name next to it. Let’s make sure each artist can receive the recognition they deserve and the stories behind their work.
