The Bridge: Artist Bill Rigo
Dedicated July 9, 2022

In aligning with Mayor Bob Fiala’s artistic vision for the city of Willoughby, the Willoughby Arts Collaborative, has partnered with the Willoughby Works Foundation and the city of Willoughby to install an iconic art piece and welcome plaza upon entering the gateway of Willoughby on the corner of Mentor Avenue and Erie Street. The art piece was designed by local Lake County artist and Willoughby ArtsFest Co-Chair Bill Rigo. Bill was one of many regional and international artists that responded to the call for artists in fall of 2019. The Willoughby Arts Collaborative awarded Mr. Rigo the commission due to his thoughtful and unique tribute to Willoughby, as he describes “Building for the future without losing sight of the past.” This piece and plaza are envisioned to be a tourist landmark hot-spot much like the “Cleveland” script sign, not just for tourists, but for local citizens as well. The piece was installed on June 27, 2022 and dedicated on July 9, 2022. Remarks were made by Mayor Bob Fiala, Council President Robert Carr, WAC President Pat Carroll Bonander, the Artist & Designer, Bill Rigo, and Adelbert (Chip) Marous CEO & President of Marous Brothers Construction on behalf of the Marous Family Charities. Special acknowledgments were made to Alan & Gloria Wright, Melanie & Toby Maloney, Willoughby Works Foundation, and CESCO Imaging. WAC thanks everyone that made the installation of this artistic gateway to Willoughby possible!