Valuable Hemingway Sculpture Project Piece Stolen

Beaver Island residents and art lovers alike were devasted to learn their prized Hemingway Project Sculpture had been taken from outside the Beaver Island District Library earlier this week.

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 are devastated to lose this important work of art,” said Patrick McGinnity, Director, Beaver Island District Library. “Not only was it a captivating piece, but the significance and its tie into literacy made it the perfect focal piece for our library. We are hopeful this was just a prank and that the thieves will safely return it to us.”

Library officials, Sauvé and Beaver Island residents are working with local police to investigate the theft. McGinnity shared that there has been 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’s very unfortunate to know this work is no longer at its home on the island. I am humbled by the interest and passion surrounding its return,” said Sauvé. “Although it is a loss, I must say the attention and support the library and its programs is getting is a silver lining. The goal of the project is to raise funds and impact literacy programs. This is not the ideal route, however, if the outcome is still the same and kids are reading and funded, then it will not have been in vain.”

Upcoming events for the Hemingway Project include a film screening of Plimpton at the Boyne City Library, featuring a meet and greet with the film’s creators. In September, the inaugural Beaver Island Film Festival will take place on the island.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the sculpture should contact Charlevoix County Police immediately at: 231.448.2700.