Hope Fountain, a centerpiece of the Perry Wellness Center campus, has a long and interesting history. The large ground-cast blue fountain was created by artist and designer Jeff Williams, who dug its shaping dirt from an area a few feet from its current position.

“The fountain was heavy and difficult to finish,” Jeff recalls. “I had to shape the symmetry of the three cement bowls. Then I had to mount them and, as I did, trail a water supply to the top bowl so that people could enjoy the trickle of water.” As the market location shifted and new structures arose, the towering fountain was moved several times. Over time, its primary function changed from a water feature to a market display piece.

“Some days ago, the fountain bowls were displaying hanging baskets, and last week the fountain boasted all colors of our popular garden mums,” Jeff continued.  “Now, the other colors of fall serve as reminders to our customers.”

Jeff’s last words on the subject: “This fountain is heavy to move, and I hope Stuart [Perry] will let it remain in its current space.”

Perhaps the fountain also reminds us that anything worth creating is not only full of beauty, but challenge.