When you cross the wooden vehicle and pedestrian bridge at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan, pause for a moment to look west.

You’ll find a lovely sculpture on the northwest bank of the river.

Installed in November 2025, Guardians of the Huron River was designed and created by Gavin and Kelley Brodin at Formed For in Los Angeles, California.

When I first saw the steel sculpture, it reminded me of a waterbird. And I was correct!

From the City of Ann Arbor news release announcing the sculpture:

The sculpture takes the form of an abstracted egret — long associated with patience, grace and the vitality of waterways.

Rising in a continuous curve, the piece evokes the flowing movement of the river while framing the surrounding landscape.