The polished stainless steel abstract sculpture by artist Mary Gillis is located in a small park in the business district of Grandville. The work was commissioned by the City of Grandville and placed in 2002.
The title plaque on the sculpture also states, “The name comes from Owashtanong Sebee, the name given to Grand River by early Native American inhabitants of Grandville.”
History of Kent County, see pages 135-136:
“The Otchipwes, or Chippewas, were wont to call the Rapids
Kitchi-onigam, and the river thence to the lake, Owashtanong, or
Washtanong-Sibi, meaning respectively "grand portage" and
"Grand river.” Coming from the Saginaw, when they would
strike the river east of Flat river, or Nabaga-Sibi, they called out
JVagewassa, meaning "far yet, but not very far." Reaching the
rapids, they would point to the lake and shout joyfully awass-tonong, to convey the idea that beyond is the place of the last man.”
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From the newsletter of the Owashtanong Islands Audubon Society:
“far flowing water is the newsletter of the Owashtanong Islands Audubon Society. The native Americans called the Grand River "Owashtanong", meaning "far flowing water". “
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Information about the artist, Mary Gillis:
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