BEAVER ISLAND, MICH.- In the Summer of 2018, Beaver Island residents and art lovers alike were devastated to learn their prized Hemingway Project Sculpture had been taken from outside the Beaver Island District Library. The sculpture went missing for 3 months until the bandits caved to outside pressure and returned the sculpture, under cover of darkness to its original location.

The sculpture, by renowned artist and arts educator John Sauvé, had proudly graced the entrance to the library since 2016. Regally standing nine feet tall, the steel installation drew attention from library and island visitors and was a popular spot for photo opportunities.

It is a key piece of Sauvé’s The Hemingway Sculpture Project. The collection of installations across the state highlights and pays homage to the many Michigan locations that influenced and impacted the iconic author and artist’s life. This was the first one in Northern Michigan and was especially significant because of how much time Hemingway spent in the region during his youth as well as where he recuperated following World War I. The project is designed as a fundraising and awareness mechanism for literacy programs across the state and has been highly successful for the region. Several events surrounding the project are on the horizon for the summer.

“We were so happy to have this important work of art returned to the Beaver Island Library,” said Patrick McGinnity, Director, Beaver Island District Library. “Not only is it a captivating sculpture, but the significance and its tie into literacy makes it the perfect focal piece for our library. We are excited to share the re-dedication of the sculpture with the Beaver Island community.”

Library officials, Sauvé and Beaver Island residents worked with local police to investigate the theft. McGinnity shared that there was an overwhelming outpouring of support and anger from tourists and residents alike. One resident has even offered a cash reward for its safe return.

“It was very unfortunate to know this work went missing on the island but, I was humbled by the interest and passion surrounding its return,” said Sauvé. “During the sculptures brief absence, I must say the attention and support the library and its programs received was a silver lining. The goal of the project is to raise funds and impact literacy programs. This was not the ideal route, however, with the return of the sculpture and the increased awareness in the Hemingway Sculpture Projects literacy program it all worked out.”