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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC22670 Selection of Two Sculptures - El Paseo Monument Signs* Continued to the meeting of June 10, 2004, in order f for staff to provide furthei information about what the sculptures would look like with small monument signs. 4-0 (Ferguson ABSENT) CITY OF PALM DES Community Service STAFF REPORT 1�N6 DATE 5, /3 - D LfL/� CONTINUED TO k / 0. a 7 0 PASSED TO 2ND READING, REQUEST: CONSIDERATION TO SELECT TWO SCULPTURES TO BE INTEGRATED WITH THE SMALL STONE EL PASEO MONUMENT SIGNS ON EL PASEO BETWEEN HIGHWAY 111 AND PORTOLA AVENUE AND EL PASEO WEST OF HIGHWAY 74 SUBMITTED BY: DATE: CONTENTS: RICHARD L. TWEDT MAY 13TH, 2004 COPIES OF THE SIX FINALISTS PROPOSALS Recommendation: Select two of the six prioritized sculptures to be integrated with the El Paseo monument signs. Each commission is not to exceed $35,000. Appropriate $70,000 from the Capital Budget account #436-454-4001. Executive Summary: The Art in Public Places Commission met on April 21st and reviewed 221 sculpture entries for the El Paseo monument signs. The Commission selected six finalists and prioritized them from one to six. Priority #1 was Esther Wertheimer's bronze "Caftan"; priority #2 was Howard Kalish's metal and colored concrete "Aspiration"; priority #3 was Barton Rubenstein's stainless steel "Crescendo"; priority #4 was Sally Roger's examples of her steel and stone sculptures; priority #5 was Dirty Paws Production's aluminum and stone "Paths"; and priority #6 was Faducci's concrete and steel "Desert Iguana". Discussion: The current concrete El Paseo signs are very difficult to see. Integrating sculptures with the signs would create a much higher visibility and would help direct visitors to the major concentration of the El Paseo district and the sculpture exhibition. Staff developed a RFQ that was posted to the official Palm Desert Art's web site, sent to appropriate artists in the Palm Desert Artist Registry, artists on our various mailing lists, all commercial art galleries in Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley, selected galleries and art organizations throughout the United States. Artists responded with 221 proposals of which the Commission selected and prioritized six sculptures. Opp, tad "ow by: rd L. T P lic Arts Manager Robert Kohn, Director of Special / Programs Sheila Gilligan, ACM, f�"j munity Services Carlos rtega, City anager Paul Gibson, Director of Finance 44- 2/1, i6 E 'a) _c 5s- (13 t a) .c 0 w HOWARD KALISH ASPIRATION 2nd Priority r 1 HOWARD KALISH PO Box 220088 Brooklyn NY 11222 p 718-389-1258 f 609-0790 howardkalish@aol.com LETTER OF INTEREST — EL PASEO MONUMENT SIGN SCULPTURES I would like to propose for the El Paseo Monument Signs sculptures such as Aspiration and/or Nerieds. These would be site -specific works created expressly for this project. I envision them as being approximately 8-10 feet tall. These designs have the advantage of fitting well into the space, and of having a base which would fit onto the top of the monument sign and could be affixed very securely to it. If illuminated at night the effect would be quite dramatic. I am including a "thumbnail" photo of what one of these sculptures might look like installed, as well as a sheet of slides of some of my previous work, and pictures of similar sculptures which have been executed for public art projects. The esthetic basis of my work is growth and structure, the various ways forms are put together and become themselves, in nature and in the way the mind perceives it. I don't try to render these things by picturing or copying natural models such as organic or inorganic forms, but rather by following analogous principles in the making of the sculpture to the way forms are made in the universe. The "look" of the finished piece is very much determined, just as it is in nature, by how it came into being and grew, and what influences were brought to bear on it along the way. Just as in nature, the most important factor in determining what it will become is the overriding structural principle. I explore and express in visual terms connections, many parts making a whole, though the whole, while complete, always conveys a sense of open-endedness, of further possibilities. Most of the sculptures I make are open: they can be seen through, and the juxtaposition of the forms against each other, and the background, changes as one walks around them. They are also polychrome, and the interplay of the colors, their overlappings and interconnections, also changes. This aspect of my work is dramatically dependent upon the setting. If a piece "works", it seems to do so in most settings, but surprisingly and differently in each case. When I work for a particular site this allows me to interact with architecture and landscaping in novel and visually memorable ways. I have developed a technique which allows a great deal of freedom within a very solid structure. The sculptures are made of pigmented cement over a welded steel armature, bronze using a polychrome patina, welded steel painted with the highest quality paint, or stainless steel and glass. The color is an integral part of the sculpture. The resulting work is permanent and virtually maintenance -free. 3rd Priority "Crescendo" Brushed Stainless Steel • 14'H x 7'W x 5'D Barton Rubenstein © 2004 Rubenstein Studios 4819 Dorset Avenue Chevy Chase, MD 20815 tel. (301) 654-5406 fax (301) 654-5496 Email: bartsher@aol.com Website: www.RubensteinStudlos.com Barton Rubenstein Sculpture and Public Art Bronze • Stainless Steel • Glass • Stone Indoor and Outdoor Artist's Approach: Barton Rubenstein creates indoor and outdoor sculpture with and without water for public and private spaces. These include corporate, commercial and academic institutions as well as private residences. He typically works with bronze, stainless steel, stone and glass. Fascinated with various elements of nature, Rubenstein focuses on water, motion, light, and suspension to create sculpture that surprise and challenge the viewer. "The goal of my artwork is first to create a level of intrigue to attract the viewer, and then to allow for the gradual discovery of its secrets and complexities." Statement of Interest: Having reviewed the materials for the public art opportunity at the Science Center of Iowa, it appears this site is of great importance to the city of St. Paul. As this Center is a central focus point for St. Paul, where people and families congregate to learn about the natural world as described through science, this artwork must project the very essence of the Center. Using art to convey the values, aspirations, and goals of the Science Center is probably one of the most creative and effective ways to achieve this goal. Sculpture Proposal: "Crescendo" Material: Stainless Steel • Dimensions: 14'H x 7'W x 5' D • Site: El Paseo Monument Sign Sculpture Sites The proposed sculpture, "Crescendo," reaches nearly 15' tall as one approaches it from the street. Swooping curvilinear shapes and a material of brushed stainless steel are two dominant features of the sculpture. Designed to be equally enjoyed at a distance as one approaches, as well as up close, "Crescendo" will have a powerful, dynamic and inviting presence for all. "Crescendo" symbolizes renewal, ambition, and above all, the result of superb urban planning for this site and the City of Palm Springs. With its shimmering brilliance and cantilevered design, "Crescendo" will exude energy and warmth, complementing this signage and on a larger scale, the City as a whole. "Crescendo," with its upward reaching curves and circular shapes, strongly connects to the surrounding mountains and the many sports activities constantly underway in this region. Durability, Maintenance, and Reliability: The materials used at Rubenstein Studios are primarily bronze, stainless steel, and stone, which are extremely durable, do not rust or corrode, and require little maintenance. All sculptures are carefully engineered to withstand high winds (up to 120 mph), and severe climates. (over please) C Sculpture Proposal Barton Rubenstein page 2 References From Past Public Projects: Jeffrey Abramson, Tower Companies, 11501 Huff Court, North Bethesda, MD, 20895, tel. (301) 984-7000. Management company and owners of The Blairs, site of "River Twist" (water) and "Blairs Gateway" (water). Lee Modica, Art in States Buildings Program, Florida, tel. (850) 245-6476. Three National Competition Sites: 1) Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Home, Land O'Lakes, FL, "Screen", 2) Florida Turnpike Authority Headquarters, Ocoee, FL, "Andromeda", and 3) University of Central Florida, Student Union, Orlando, FL, "Reach for the Stars." Richard England, 2832 Chain Bridge Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20016, tel. (202) 244-5050. Site of "L'Dor V'Dor" (water/kinetic). Qualifications for Creating Public Art To date, I have been a National Competition Winner in five public art projects ranging from universities, veterans homes, to large state projects. l have also become a National Competition Finalist in nine other major public art projects. Each of these opportunities has allowed me the pleasure and experience to work with a selection committee, in an environment that allows for the exchange of ideas, enthusiasm, and the fulfillment of a dream to make a public site more beautiful and impressive with art. The numerous corporate commissions I have completed have given me the opportunity to work extensively with many professionals, including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and various subcontractors who make the installation of a sculpture successful. Finally, a critical element I bring to the public art process are my communication skills, which are essential in creating a successful relationship between artist and committee, With these skills I am able to quickly establish a comfortable rapport with committee members, thus allowing for an open and candid environment to discuss thematic concepts and discuss logistical details pertaining to the site. ""Template" 2003, stainless steel, granite (dakota mahogany) 10' 2"h x 6'w x 3' 6"d Warren Wilson College, Asheville, North Carolina Sally Rogers 4th Priority PUBLIC ART PHILOSOPHY — SALLY ROGERS As a professional artist, I am very interested in the design and fabrication of public art projects. Artworks that are made available to all members of a community serve to enhance and stimulate the environment in which they are sited, and they are important integral components to the success of public spaces. I enjoy the challenge of creating works that satisfy the multiple concerns inherent to public art: appealing and/or thought -provoking imagery, integration with site(s), and safety and structural integrity. My work is created from combinations of glass, steel, stone, and wood for interior locations, with stainless steel and granite as the primary materials for exterior locations. I am very concerned with the long-term durability of my completed projects, and one of my primary interests is in creating works that endure both conceptually and structurally. In designing and fabricating commissioned works, I take into consideration such concerns as stability, public access, installation, and maintenance, without compromising imagery and relevance. I have worked with public art professionals, architects, and engineers on a number of corporate and public art projects, and very much appreciate their knowledge and input. My primary goals are to address the hopes, interests, and concerns of parties involved in a project, to design and construct works that satisfy thematic and structural requirements, and to retain my own inherent style, materials, and conceptual concerns. In this way, I believe the end result is a work of art that is both truly satisfying for the artist to create, and stimulating and relevant to the `public at large.' El Paseo Monument Sign Sculptures "Paths" Front View Public Art Program 5th Priority DIRTY PAWS PROoluIONS. 932 SOUTH 3RD AYENIIE TOLSON, AI 85/01-3204 PHONE (510)-901-5876 fAX (520)-345-0103 ROC 19399 Letter of Intent El Paseo Monument Sign Sculpture Our company, made up of painters, sculptors, photographers and designers, is pleased to submit our combined ideas for the El PaseoMonument Sign Sculptures. Again, we thank you for allowing our team of artists to participate in this program and we hope you find our collective creativity as rewarding as we do. It is our goal, to provide for the City of Palm Desert, sculptures that incorporates the existing monument signs on the east and west ends of El Paseo. Meshing river rock, similar to that used in the current signs, and painted steel, we intend to sculpt a form that is evocative of wind and has a dynamic presence for the city. The sculptures will be simply titled "Paths'. The following page is a concept of what they both will look like. They are to be identical in form, different only in color. Their final patinas will be determined only after we consult with the City of Palm Desert for their preference. We are looking forward to meet with the governing bodies of this project and to discuss ideas they may want to incorporate into the work. Thank you again for this opportunity. The Artists of Dirty Paws Productions. Public Art Program 931211N0/806 TUCSON, AZ 85101-3204 PHO$E (S1O)-90Z-5876 fAx 45MO)-;45-0103 MX19399 1 0 Faducci Solomon Bassoff & Domenica Mottarella PO Box 923 North. San Juan C.A. 9596o 53a 292-3857 www.faducci.com Statement of interest We would like to create a distinct sculpture reflecting the indigenous wildlife of the Palm Desert. This custom design will be integrated with the small river rock monument sign on the end of El Paseo. Relevant past experience We created a wonderful public art piece, a large frog sculpture for the children of George Mark Children's House, the first free standing children's hospice in the United States (located in San Leandro, Ca). Another of our sculptures, a praying mantis is on display in a public garden in Portland, Oregon Our sculpture is now featured in the Paradise Bay Restaurant in Sausalito. We have created sculpture in the outdoor garden area and cement furniture for the restaurant. Domenica Mottarella has been a professional artist for many years working in several medium. She has been a function and artistic potter, owned and operated a tees shirt design company, and is an experienced graphic designer. Solomon Bassoff is a licensed building contractor as well as an accomplished artist. He has worked in watercolor, wood, bronze, steel, and cement. His construction development experience in the Santa Cruz area is essential for a project of this scale. He has developed good communication skills working with city officials from his many years of construction and development experience. Together, Solomon Bassoff & Domenica Mottarella created Faducci Studios, an innovative approach to an ancient medium, cement. Each sculpture is artistically rendered with great detail. Many are finished in applied Italian mosaic. Conceptual approach Our design incorporates the Desert Iguana as a species of the local desert community. The large size and unique styling of the form will offer an eye catching image for adults and children frequenting the El Paseo area. We have offered to create a custom design that will conform and complement the El Paseo monument sign. The submitted model is created with cement. If the committee prefers the addition of glass or tile mosaic, it is certainly possible to incorporate this into the design. Related materials and budget Materials will be cement and steel. We have extensively researched these materials and use various additives that result in extra strength and durability. The metal armatures will be treated for rust prevention. All material and labor will be included in the $35,000 budget. Our work captures the spirit of the animals we portray in cement. Our development and application of the cement process as an artistic sculptural medium is unique. The success of our work is in the evocation of emotion and public appeal.