56 life-sized sculptures go on display in Elkhart County for the summer

The 56 sculptures brought by the Convention and Visitors Bureau were installed in towns and cities throughout the county this week. They depict everyday scenes of people from different eras, from the 19th century to the 1970s, all engaged in activities like jogging, flying kites, playing instruments, washing windows or sharing an ice cream cone.

The 57th, a 25-foot-tall rendition of the couple from Grant Wood's "American Gothic," will be installed in Elkhart's Central Park Monday. It's travelled the country but is particularly relevant to the Midwest, noted collection curator Paula Stoeke as she unveiled the lifesize version of the statue outside the county courthouse Tuesday.

For Brian Byrn with the Midwest Museum of American Art, who curated the exhibit locally, the stern-faced couple with a pitchfork is a favorite because his museum has been home to another Wood painting, "Sheaves of Corn," for as long as he's been there. The addition of a well-traveled suitcase at their feet only adds to the appreciation.