CIN COM 0613 purgatory the icon01 — From left, local artist Scott Westphal, who did the metal work for the sculpture, Purgatory co-owner and artist Christine Merchant and Marty Schliessmann, who designed the Purgatory logo, at the May 24 event. (Submitted photos)

Purgatory Golf Club kicked off its spring golf season May 24 with a celebration commemorating its new “Icon” sculpture.

CIN COM 0613 purgatory the icon02 — “The Icon” sits off of the first tee of Purgatory’s 18-hole course at 12160 E. 216th St. in Noblesville.

The idea for the 11-foot-tall sculpture came from Purgatory Golf Club’s co-owner and artist Christine Merchant. She partnered with Marty Schliessmann, logo designer, and local artist Scott Westphal, who made the piece, to position it just off the first tee of the 18-hole golf course at 12160 E. 216th St., Noblesville.

“The Icon,” which took two years to complete, is fabricated from 1-inch thick, rust-resistant aluminum. The Purgatory logo is a trident, golf ball and halo which won Schliessman an Addy Award for the design.

“I love adding art to the Hoosier landscape, whether it’s in an exhibit or on a golf course,” Westphal said. “The creation of ‘The Icon’ was a labor of love that I was proud to see culminate.”

Golfers are encouraged to place a coin in an offering box on the first tee for good luck on their round. Monies raised benefit local charities.

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