• Dane Porter poses next to his sculpture titled "Lemongrass", which is featured in East Lansing's Valley Court Park.

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Dane Porter has been creating art his whole life and when his friend sent him the information about submissions for artwork at Meridian Township's Marketplace on the Green, Porter said after some reminders, he decided to apply for the grant.

"I should probably [sign up] because it's in my backyard and I love the city," Porter said. "So, I applied for it and drew up some sketches and made the connection with them and then went from there."

Porter, turning 25 years old on July 28, said this is his first time working in the Meridian Township area and he is excited to get started.

"Art is important because it not only brings beauty and value to a city, but it also makes people feel happy," Porter said.

According to Porter, the project should be finished in late October and through the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) Grant and a bit more funding from the township, his total budget for the project is roughly $15,000.

The artist said the final design has not been chosen, but residents should expect the design to tie into the farmers' markets held in the Marketplace on the Green.

"I think there will be some sort of natural influence just because of the farmers' market being there," Porter said.

Here is the full interview with Dane Porter: