Title
Resolution in support of public art installation for Paradice Island Pool at Pioneer Park
Body
Summary and Background Information:
Executive Summary
In September 2015, the Commerce City Cultural Council began the public art selection process for a public art project to be located in Pioneer Park. The project is associated with the voter-approved capital improvement program and funded by the construction of Paradice Island Pool. The Cultural Council recommends commissioning a public art project proposed by artist Michael Clapper titled "In the Wind." The project budget is $74,500. Attached is the description of the art selection process, the Art Selection Committee’s meeting minutes and the artist’s project proposal.
Funding
This project is funded by the construction of Paradice Island Pool and the voter-approved Ballot Issue 2K. Consistent with Ordinance 2037, for capital improvement projects in excess of $50,000, 1 percent of the construction cost shall be identified for public art. Capital projects with a construction budget of $1 million or greater must generally install public art using a significant portion of 1 percent funding requirement at the project site.
Public Art Impact
Public art in Commerce City highlights its public spaces and encourages walking and gathering. As noted in the council-adopted public art master plan, strategic placement of attractive, thoughtfully designed artwork creates vitality and engages the community. Several reasons for initiating public art in Commerce City include:
- Elevating the quality of urban living,
- Strengthening community identity and pride,
- Illustrating the rich visual heritage of the region,
- Stimulating economic growth,
- Enhancing the public’s appreciation for the arts, and
- Providing opportunities for education and learning.
Project Timeline
- Sept. 2015: Art Selection Committee member search began; seven members placed.
- Oct. 19, 2015: First Art Selection Committee meeting to set the art selection criteria.
- Nov. 4 - Dec. 4, 2015: Request for Qualifications open for submissions.
- Jan. 4, 2016: Second Art Selection Committee meeting to review 31 submissions; selected three semi-finalists to develop project design proposals.
- Feb. 23, 2016: Third Art Selection Committee meeting; three semi-finalists presented project design proposals to the Art Selection Committee, the Committee selected one finalist, Michael Clapper, to recommend to the Cultural Council.
- March 8, 2016: Cultural Council reviewed the Art Selection Committee’s recommendation for the project; project was approved unanimously and the recommendation forwarded to City Council.
Public Art Project Description
Michael Clapper’s public art proposal, "In the Wind," is an installation of 10 yellow kites that blow in the wind; adding a playful, colorful element to Pioneer Park. The composition artistically illustrates an activity that could be seen as a fun alternative to what is offered in the park. It will be placed along East 60th Avenue on the north side of the park and between Krameria and Kearney streets. The installation will add intrigue and a visual marker for the pedestrian entrances into the park. Renderings and a site plan are attached.
The kites will be made of powder coated aluminum, 4-feet-tall from top of the kite to the bottom, and will sway on top of carbon fiber rods placed on stainless steel poles. The kites are at varying heights, 23-feet to 27-feet-high. The carbon fiber rods will be striped to resemble a kite’s tail. The installation will span 200-feet along the meandering sidewalk, and placed between the sidewalk and the ball fields and skate park. The materials - stainless steel, powder coated steel and carbon fiber rod - are highly durable, low maintenance materials. The artist will submit a maintenance plan at the close of the project.
The artist’s contract will be $74,500 and is inclusive of all costs associated with the public art project including, but not limited to, artist design fee, structural engineering, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, site modifications, travel to and from the site, per diem expenses, project documentation, administration, overhead, contingency to cover unexpected expenses and any other costs related to the project.
About the Artist
Michael Clapper has been making public art for 14 years and has completed 27 public art projects around the country. Educated in design at the distinguished Wendell Castle School in Rochester, New York, Michael now focuses on creating contemporary public and residential sculpture. Michael maintains a studio in Denver where he is represented by the William Havu Gallery. More information can be viewed at www.michaelclapperstudios.com.
Next Steps
Pending the adoption of Resolution 2016-42, the contract with the artist will be executed, after which the fabrication of the public art will begin. The artwork may be installed as soon as September 2016.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Interim Director of External Affairs Michelle Halstead
Staff Member Presenting: Commerce City Cultural Council Board Member Debra Bullock and Commerce City Public Art Consultant Deana Miller
Financial Impact: $74,500
Funding Source: Capital Improvement Project Program
Staff Recommendation: Approve resolution as presented.
Suggested Motion: I move to approve Resolution 2016-42