Going into 2018, we felt that there was a positive momentum for the Hilltop, so we wanted a theme that would reflect and capture that energy and optimism. Hilltop Rising was born.

We received some exciting concept designs, but fell in love with Andrew Lundberg’s take on a phoenix rising from the ashes. Its theme of rebirth resonated, of course, but it was its metal composition that drew us in: The sculpture was to be placed in front of Hollywood Casino, the former site of the the Delphi GM manufacturing plant, once a major employer on the Hilltop. It was a fitting way to pay homage to the location’s manufacturing past while looking to the future. (In 2021, the sculpture was removed from its original location and is currently in storage waiting to find it’s permanent home.)

Andrew is an artist and owner of Lundberg Industrial Arts, based in Franklinton. He’s had an interesting career path, including a stint where he left his corporate job to live in an Airstream trailer in Franklinton. (If you’ve spent any time walking around Franklinton, you’ve probably seen his trailer and property.)

Though he works mostly in wood and metal, specializing in high-end commercial furniture, he also has a few prominent murals around Franklinton. For this project, Andrew teamed up with fellow Franklinton artist Eric Vacheresse. Eric owns and runs Studio 129, and like Andrew, is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to the arts.

Andrew and Eric’s completed sculpture is everything we wanted: Attention-grabbing, approachable yet thought-provoking, mythical, detailed, and cool.