Following artist Don Lawler’s introduction to Oak Harbor’s first piece of public art, a blue tarp covering was lifted to reveal his limestone sculpture, “Release.”

As the adults slowly moved in closer, 8-year-old Rockie Cape ran right up the grass mound to the sculpture and asked if she could touch it.

“Yes,” is the answer she got from Lawler, and she wasted no time in exploring all its nooks and crevices.

About 40 people gathered at the park Friday to witness the historic unveiling of the city’s first piece of public art, which traveled 2,500 miles from Stephensport, Ky. to Oak Harbor.

“All undertakings start with a seed,” Lawler said. The work is described as a seed pod bursting to release seed sprouts and leaf forms.

Happy with the community response, Lawler said the donation of materials and labor needed to complete the project was “completely unexpected.”

“I’m honored,” he said. “I want this to open the door for more art in the community. I want to see the collection diversified.”

“The symbolism and opening seed speaks to the evolution of art in Oak Harbor and a growing appreciation for public art and the benefit it brings to a thriving community,” stated a press release from the Oak Harbor Arts Commission.

“I think it’s inspiring,” said Sharon Ryan as she stood at the base of the sculpture.

Sharon Nicholson, president of Harbor Pride, described herself as a textile person.

“I like feeling the texture of the stone and carving,” Nicholson said as she ran her hands over the sculpture.

Lawler won the city’s first national call to artists and was commissioned to complete the sculpture for $11,000, which represents 1 percent of the Fort Nugent construction costs.

Oak Harbor Mayor, Jim Slowik, the City Council, the Arts Commission and a number of community members turned out for the unveiling event and celebrated the placement of the sculpture with cake and juice.