Thursday, July 22nd will be an important day at Clark Lake. One o’clock is the time set for a Clark Lake salute to a person who has greatly benefited our community. Annette’s dedication and talent are on display on the new Welcome to Clark Lake sign on North Lake Road. You’re invited to join other Clark Lakers who will be there to recognize Annette’s efforts and thank her for it.
Annette Fink crafted this dramatic image in high-fired clay. In doing so, it’s strong evidence of the Clark Lake Spirit in action. The Sign illustrates how this community comes together to accomplish projects.
How did this come about?
First, a look back to the beginnings of the Clark Lake Spirit Trail. The Trail exists because volunteers built it and continue to maintain and improve it. In addition to volunteer sweat equity, construction required fundraising. In recognition of thousand-dollar donations to the Trail, the committee had donor names inscribed in concrete on the Jefferson Road section. But time and weather wore them away. The idea of the Sign emerged as a way to replace them. The road side would carry a message of welcome. The side facing the trail would recognize donors in a much more permanent way.
When contacted by the Trail Committee, Annette graciously accepted the challenge. She took design ideas, brought them to life, and turned the Sign into a work of art. Today travelers on North Lake see the colorful welcome message and the image of the lake. Those who walk up to it can see detail illustrating the Clark Lake experience.
With the project underway, Clark Lakers joined the effort under Annette’s guidance. One winter afternoon in 2020, they filled the Beach Bar activity room, helping to color individual clay pieces, each numbered. The pieces were then high fired. Those who worked on the project can now find their piece by a close inspection of the mural.
As the project moved forward, more Clark Lakers donated to the Trail. Their names became part of the Sign. The plaques are cast bronze and expected to last through the ages.
The Sign can be seen as a message from Clark Lake today to future generations. It signals how the community regards itself now, and is a challenge for the Clark Lakers of tomorrow.
The Fink’s generously donated the materials. Annette spent countless hours in the studio and collaborated with the committee and others to produce the finished product. The July 22nd gathering at the Sign will be a poignant acknowledgment of Annette’s devotion and a celebration of the Clark Lake Spirit.
If you attend, organizers suggest parking at the Community Center and walking to the Sign. Biking may also be a good solution.
Will be there in ClarkLake spirit!!
Best regards to Anne and all
See you next month
C.
Congratulations Annette. Looks great.
How beautiful!!! What a collaboration of love led by the generous and talented Annette ❤️☀️⛵️
Thanks so much Bonnie!
Commitment and talent, Annette… this is truly a piece that will stand the test of time. Beautiful addition to The Spirit Trail!
Week deserved recognition for a very humble and generous lady.
Thanks so much my friend.
Gorgeous!
We Salute you, Annette! Wow! What an honor for Clarklake! This is such a special landmark in the place my entire family loves so much! So very proud of the vision and implementation by Annette. Congratulations to you and this community for making this happen!
Congratulations Annette! Such an awesome recognition and well deserved. Your artistic talent and dedication to this project should be commended. The sign is beautiful and something you can be proud of for many years to come.
Sending love from your cousin.
What an special piece of art and such a beautiful addition to our Clark Lake community. Thank you to everyone involved. Annette, you have done an amazing job!
Thank you Clark Lakers !❤️❤️❤️
What a wonderful legacy for the community and generations to come . Congratulations Annette. Hugs Lynn
So proud of you sister! You not only have vision and talent, you share and encourage others to explore their artistic abilities. Not to mention how positive and fun you are to be around! I am in awe! You are such a treasure. Thank you for always making life so meaningful, so beautiful and so full of love!