Joseph Kinnebrew created the Grand River Sculpture and Fish Ladder early in his career. With the support of many local, state, and national organizations, the work was created in response to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources request that a fish ladder be built to assist spawning fish in their struggle upstream. Kinnebrew suggested that a superstructure be created over the ladder to allow people to watch the process. The plan was accepted in an effort to make the riverfront a focal point for the citizens of Grand Rapids and viewing platforms were incorporated into the structure's architectural design. The project was pivotal in altering the public's view of environmental art and the way it affects our everyday lives.

Born in Tacoma Washington, Kinnebrew graduated from Syracuse University and Michigan State University before settling in West Michigan. After a successful career in Grand Rapids in the 1970s and 80s, that included many public sculptures and site installations, Kinnebrew moved to Sun Valley, Idaho where he lived and worked for twelve years. Most recently he has returned to his home state and now resides outside Seattle were he continues to paint and create large-scale sculpture.