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Downtown in Holland in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
 

"Uniting Sun" and "New Dawn Rising"

Artist: Cyril Lixenberg

— 1932 - 2015 —

 
 
"Uniting Sun" and "New Dawn Rising" Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 12, 2022
1. "Uniting Sun" and "New Dawn Rising" Marker
Inscription.
The Artist's Message

These works of art were installed at Unity Bridge on October 30, 2014 to celebrate the Greater Holland-Zeeland area's rich diversity. The five vertical elements of "Uniting Sun" appear to vary in sizes, but in fact, all are of identical length, reflecting that we as individuals may appear different physically, yet in many respects, are the same with common values, needs and aspirations. The sculpture changes appearance as you look at it from different angles, suggesting that different points of view must be appreciated to understand the community as a whole. The round sun represents the light of truth and serves as a unifying symbol, reminding us that we must be united in building our community together. Twelve "sun discs” mounted on posts lining Unity Bridge are entitled, "New Dawn Rising.” The six paired opposites in different designs and colors reinforce the diversity theme. The color progression suggests the rising sun, reflecting our community's growing awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion to our capacity to innovate, adapt and prosper in an ever-changing world.
 
Erected by Concerned
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Citizens and Organizations.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, MusicCivil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is October 30, 2014.
 
Location. 42° 47.927′ N, 86° 6.673′ W. Marker is in Holland, Michigan, in Ottawa County. It is in Downtown. It is on North River Avenue south of Macatawa River, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Van Bragt Park while the artwork is on both sides of the Unity Bridge and in the road median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60 N River Ave, Holland MI 49423, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan, specifically in Greater Grand Rapids, and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: NEA Big Read Lakeshore (within shouting distance of this marker);
"Uniting Sun" and "New Dawn Rising" Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 12, 2022
2. "Uniting Sun" and "New Dawn Rising" Marker
"Uniting Sun" sculpture in background
Tower Clock (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lida Rogers (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fris’ (approx. 0.6 miles away); 8th Street Grille (approx. 0.6 miles away); Warm Friend (approx. 0.6 miles away); Pathfinders Travel (approx. 0.6 miles away); Outpost (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holland.
 
Regarding "Uniting Sun" and "New Dawn Rising". Marker and sculpture have limited historical content but highlight the merging of tradition and changing demographics that have been embraced by the city and its people.
 
"Uniting Sun" Sculpture image. Click for full size.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 12, 2022
3. "Uniting Sun" Sculpture
"New Dawn Rising" Sculpture Pieces on Unity Bridge image. Click for full size.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 12, 2022
4. "New Dawn Rising" Sculpture Pieces on Unity Bridge
Van Bragt Park Sign image. Click for full size.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 12, 2022
5. Van Bragt Park Sign
Scale Windmill in Van Bragt Park image. Click for full size.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 12, 2022
6. Scale Windmill in Van Bragt Park
Remembering Holland's Dutch heritage
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 672 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 21, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
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Jul. 12, 2026