Travellers driving South down Highway 53 will now be welcomed into Eau Claire by a new sign. The “Enhanced Eau Claire Sign” was installed July 17 at the River Prairie exit, on the corner of River Prairie Drive and Galloway Street, not far from Woodman’s grocery store. Originally, the half of the sign that bolsters “Eau Claire” beneath a soaring bird and city skyline was all that stood on the stone holder. However, the city council wanted something “cool,” and called upon Artisan Forge Studios owner Greg Johnson to build rad additional pieces. Johnson collaborated with local artist Jo Ellen Burke to create the leaf and flower sculptures that now rest on the sign; the leaves are designs of those that can be found on local trees. Burke sketched a 2D image and worked with Johnson to formulate a 3D model and full-sized cardboard template. Johnson then used his laser and welding skills to build the final steel sculpture. They acquired further assistance from Chippewa Falls glassblower and owner of Christensen Glass, Chad Christensen, to add color to the dull metal. Christensen embellished the flowers with bulbs of glass in their center, which he felt would add a little something extra. According to Burke, a bit more work needs to be done, mainly the chore of adding LED lighting to the flowers. With all the developments occurring in the city, this sign marks voyagers’ entrance into the expanding community of art, nature and beauty.