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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC22670 Monument Signs on El PaseoCITY OF PALM DESERT Community Services STAFF REPORT REQUEST: CONSIDERATION TO SELECT TWO STONE URELS POSES INTEGRATED WITH THE SMALL MONUMENT SIGNS ON EL pAELEO BETWEEN HIGHWAY 111 PASEO WEST OF HIGHWAY AND PORTOLA AVENUE A 74 SUBMITTED BY: RICHARD L. TWEDT DATE: MAY 13TH, 2004 CONTENTS: COPIES OF THE SIX FINALISTS PROPOSALS Recommendation: Select two of the six prioritized sculptures to be $70,000 from the integrated Appropriate l Paseo monument signs. Each commission is not to exceed $35,000. 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 visibilitysculpture would ehelp lpiddirect visitors to the major concentration of the El Paseo district and the pe 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. Sub ' tad by: 0,...mor , �, rd L. T • P,' lic Arts Manager r Sheila Gilligan, ACM, Robert Kohn, Director of Programs munity Services Carlos rtega, City1Manager Paul Gibson, Director of Finance Special Esther Wertheimer 1st Priority HOWARD KALISH ASPIRATION 2n6 Priority 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. �1 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.RubensteinStudios.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) Barton Rubenstein page 2 Sculpture Proposal References From Past Public Projects: es, 11501 Huff Court, North Bethesda, MD, Jeffrey Abramson, Tower Comp owners of The 20895, tel. (301) 984-7000. Management company and water Biairs, site of "River Twist" (water) ram, Flo1aaQGe1 �85p),245-6476. ). Lee Modica, NArta ino States Building g 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." DC, 20016, , gton Richard England, 2832 Chain Bridge Road, NW, on, tel. (202) 244-5050. Site of "L' Dor V'Dor (water/kinetic). Washington, Qualifications for Creating Public Art e I have been a National Competition Winner nf v public Ihaaet projects rangingg To date, from universities, veterans homes, to large state projects. p National work with a selection Coin petition Finalist in nine other major public experience art to ojets. Each of these opportunities has allowed me the pleasure and exp e of ideas, enthusiasm, and committee, in an environment that allows for the exchang the fulfillment of a dream to make a public site more beautiful and impressive with art. numerous corporate commissions I have completed have given me the The professionals, including architects, opportunity to work extensively with many landscape architects, engineers, and various subcontractors who make the installation of a sculpture successful. criticalFelement I bring to the public art processaremy communication skills, which, a a successful relationship artist with d which are essential in creating committee. With these skills I am able to quiicklestablish and a candid comfortable environment to discuss committee members, thus allowing for an open thematic concepts and discuss logistical details pertaining to the site. "Template" 2003, stainless steel, granite (dakota mahogany) 1012"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 p in which they are sited, and they are important integral and stimulate the environment �� I enjoythe challenge of creating works that components to the success of public spaces. and/or thought -provoking satisfy the multiple concerns inherent to public art: appealing 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, granite as the primary materials for exterior locations. I am very with stainless steel and projects, and one of my primary concerned with the long-term durability of my completed and structurally. In designing and interests is in creating works that endure both conceptually 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 and concerns of parties involved in a project, to design and are to address the hopes, interests, and construct works that satisfy thematic and structural requirement to retain my own , the end resultis a inherent style, materials, and conceptual concerns. In this way, 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 "Pat%S" Front View Public Art Program 931 SON 3111) ARM TIKSON, 185?01-3204 P1 610)-901-5816 tAX t510)-145-0 033 ROC 19399 5th Priority 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. Tie Artists of Dirty Paws Productions. Public Art Program 9 WOK, 85 104 PRONE C *Q1-903-$816.. fAX t518-H44-0 roxim ywfucci Solomon Bassoff & Domenica .MottareCla PO Box 923 North San Juan CA. 9596o 53o 292-3857 www.faclucci.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 Mottareila 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.