should be ready for installation this spring, according to City Administrator Laura Newman.

Newman said art has been “a key element” in the success of the downtown. Besides the bridge sculptures, there are works on a plaza outside of the Batavia Government Center, sculptures at the southeast corner of River and Wilson streets, the “Self-Made Man” sculpture on North River Street, and the Water Street Studios artists’ enclave.

The city originally intended to do one sculpture a year, but delayed purchases of the second and third ones during the recession. It also took longer for the second one because the city lowered the commission, and few artists submitted proposals.

In the meantime, decorated ceramic bulldogs from a citywide charitable fundraiser have graced the two empty pedestals.