Honoring Community Through Public Art

On a Friday afternoon, more than 100 supporters gathered at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island to celebrate the dedication of "Come Ride With Us," a new public sculpture honoring longtime cycling advocates Dean and Deb Mathias. 
 
Designed by Orion artist and illustrator Paul Lange, the metal bicycle sculpture now stands alongside the bike path that winds through the park—a fitting tribute to two individuals whose passion for cycling helped shape the culture and connectivity of our region. 
 
While the sculpture honors Dean and Deb Mathias, it also serves as a reminder of the important role public art plays in defining a community. Public art does more than beautify a space; it reflects local values, celebrates community stories, and creates meaningful connections between people and place. Projects like "Come Ride With Us" preserve local history while strengthening community pride by recognizing the individuals whose dedication and leadership have helped shape the Quad Cities. Through works like this, public art becomes a lasting expression of our shared identity—inviting reflection, inspiring conversation, and celebrating the people and stories that make our region unique. 
 
For decades, Dean and Deb Mathias have been champions of cycling in the Quad Cities, helping build a stronger and more connected cycling community through advocacy, leadership, and volunteerism. Their efforts have encouraged people of all ages to experience the benefits of cycling while promoting safer, more accessible trails and pathways throughout the region. Dean, affectionately known as "Bareback" within the cycling community, has long been recognized as a passionate advocate and organizer, while Deb's dedication and support have made her an equally valued part of the region's cycling culture. Together, they have inspired countless riders and helped create a welcoming cycling community that continues to grow today. 

The artwork itself was designed by Orion artist and illustrator Paul Lange, whose vision for the piece was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of project partners, skilled fabricators, and community supporters, resulting in a sculpture that reflects the spirit of cycling and community connection. Through "Come Ride With Us," he translated Dean and Deb Mathias' legacy into a visual landmark that honors their contributions while inviting visitors to reflect on the importance of community, recreation, and connection. 
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Public art rarely begins with the finished piece. The development of "Come Ride With Us" included concept sketches, design revisions, site studies, and fabrication planning, all working toward a shared vision. These images highlight the collaborative process behind creating public art and the many decisions that help transform an idea into a meaningful community landmark. These process images, provided by Paul Lange, offer a glimpse into the creative development that took shape over seven months before becoming the public landmark visitors see today.
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Quad City Arts was honored to help facilitate this project under the leadership of project coordinator Dawn Wohlford-Metallo, working in collaboration with artist Paul Lange and sculptor David Zahn. Bringing a public art project from concept to installation requires collaboration, coordination, fundraising, artist engagement, and community support. Our role was to help guide that process, ensuring the vision for honoring Dean and Deb could become a lasting addition to the riverfront. 
 
At Quad City Arts, we believe public art is an essential part of a vibrant region. Whether it's a sculpture, mural, installation, or artist-designed gathering space, public art adds personality to our communities and strengthens our sense of place. It transforms ordinary spaces into destinations and tells stories that might otherwise go untold. 
 
As communities across the Quad Cities continue to invest in public spaces, Quad City Arts remains committed to helping facilitate projects that celebrate local artists, honor community leaders, and create lasting cultural assets for generations to come. 
 
We extend our congratulations to Dean and Deb Mathias, our appreciation to artists David Zahn and Paul Lange, and our gratitude to the many supporters whose contributions made "Come Ride With Us" possible. 
 
Public art has the power to tell local stories, celebrate community identity, and create spaces that people connect with for generations. Quad City Arts is proud to help facilitate projects that enrich our region through creativity and collaboration. If your community, organization, community group, or municipality is interested in exploring a public art project, we welcome the opportunity to help turn that vision into reality. From artist selection and project coordination to fundraising support and installation guidance, Quad City Arts can help navigate the process and create meaningful projects that reflect the character and stories of the communities they serve. 
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