Ann Arbor's latest public art project depicts fish swimming through a riverbed
The design for a new public art project at First and Kingsley in Ann Arbor.
Design by Joshua Wiener
The proposal from Colorado-based artist Joshua Wiener shows steel outlines of large-mouth bass, as if they're swimming through the flood-prone area.
"They will be placed in the landscaped rain garden to give an impression of motion through a river bed," said Aaron Seagraves, the city's public art administrator.
Seagraves said the vegetation surrounding the sculptures will be designed to have distinct color separation, forming shapes of land that resemble a river's surface.
An overview of the entire site at First and Kingsley.
Design by Joshua Wiener
"They will also be placed in various positions to give the appearance of action. As one moves along the one-way street, the sculptures will take on an false perspective of motion — as if swimming."
Seagraves said the fish and river are connected to the functional purpose of the rain garden and the public art depicts that connection.
The city issued a request for proposals last November, asking artists to submit ideas for an artwork at the proposed rain garden site. A budget of $23,380 was established for the project.
A selection panel, which included stakeholders from the neighborhood, reviewed more than 20 submissions and selected Wiener's proposal.
The city expects to have a written artist statement and two material options from the artist — regarding the application to the surface of the artwork — within four weeks.
The rain garden artwork is one of the last remaining projects being completed under the city's Percent For Art Program, which is being replaced with a new program.
The City Council voted in June to end the controversial Percent For Art Program. Instead of automatically setting aside 1 percent of capital project dollars into a pooled public art fund — like the city had done since 2007 — city officials will decide on a case-by-case basis in the future whether certain projects might be enhanced by having art "baked in" from the start.
The city is still planning to finish art projects for the Stadium bridges and Argo Cascades before transitioning to the new program. The city also recently installed a sculpture in the Justice Center.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
chapmaja
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
I MUST be missing something. The City of AA has the money to spend on all these art projects, but the roads I drive on are falling apart. I must be dreaming while my head is bouncing off the ceiling in my car, and my knees have bruises from hitting the underside of the steering wheel. The potholes are so bad in this town, I'm shocked people haven't been ejected from cars just by hitting a pothole. Those must just be a dream though, since the City of Ann Arbor has plenty of money for public art projects.
gofigure
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Dumb looking
st.julian
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 2:45 a.m.
Once again, Ann Arbor supports Michigan artists by outsourcing the work to Colorado. It!s apparent Ann Arbor doesn't believe Michigan artist have the ideas or skills for this paradise of government ineptitude
J. A. Pieper
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 1:49 a.m.
I dread the choices selected as finalists for the Stadium bridge project. I am hoping the public art group puts out another request for ideas, if not, I can't wait to read the comments about their selection!
ArgoC
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 6:14 p.m.
Hmm the site is thwarting me. One more try. http://bit.ly/PXSeAw
ArgoC
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
Since my last post here I've spent some time on a2gov.org looking at public art information. http://www.a2gov.org/government/publicservices/publicart/Pages/default.aspx First of all, shame on me for not keeping up with what's happening and doing my own feedback during the time frames that were set up. There is, in fact, more opportunity to participate (including from my computer) than I thought. I plan to do a better job of it and to do less complaining afterwards. Second, I'm disappointed about the coverage of this particular project (news site or government site). If there were 20 proposals that were reviewed for this project, I cannot find them anywhere.
ArgoC
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 5:33 p.m.
Why is there no seating incorporated in the design? And, did any local artists apply? I'd love to see the 20 entries.
Brad
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Who even knew they had rendering programs for the Commodore 64?
Arboriginal
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
Comshare, that's who!
Lauren Erickson
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
The installation doesn't depict anything. A depiction is a form of non-verbal representation in which two-dimensional images (pictures) are regarded as viable substitutes for things seen. This is a 3D sculpture. Tsk tsk
DJBudSonic
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 3:26 a.m.
"The city is still planning to finish art projects for the Stadium bridges and Argo Cascades before transitioning to the new program. The city also recently installed a sculpture in the Justice Center." If the underwhelming Justice Center light 'sculpture' is any indication, I would rather they drop the Stadium Bridges and Argo Cascades projects, for surely that light fixture is an example of Money That Could Be Better Spent Elsewhere.
Brad
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Seriously? You think you could come up with a better way to spend upwards of a half-million dollars?
JRW
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.
How about a map showing exactly where this is. First and Kingsley does seem like an out of the way location for public art. Isn't that the corner where that dilapidated old house sat for 20+ years before it was torn down? If so, that corner is across from Austin & Warburton Jewelry and a few other houses on that block. We drive down there fairly frequently, but have never seen foot traffic. Is this the location of the fish garden?
DJBudSonic
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 3:10 a.m.
yes
buvda fray
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.
I guess they're OK so long as they are sustainable, renewable, green, gender-neutral and free range. Has anyone confirmed that they won't squish the last remaining school of darter snails when they are ceremoniously abandoned on this lot? Can we at least demand that it's a charter school of fish and that there is no guppie left behind? Those fish are gonna sure look swell on postcards from Ann Arbor. Yada yada, whata crocka....
JRW
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:23 a.m.
I really thought that the public art program was over. OVER. DONE. FINISHED. Apparently not. "...city officials will decide on a case-by-case basis in the future whether certain projects might be enhanced by having art "baked in" from the start." Here's a thought: how about "baking in" some potholes! Until all the potholes are filled in the city and all the streets and roads are fixed, NO money should be allocated for any more public art. What is it about NO that the council doesn't understand?
mikeh
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
@ JRW This project was approved over one year ago, which was before the 1% for Art program was terminated.
Brad
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
As opposed to what they've been doing by "half baking" it in?
Lilly211
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:11 a.m.
Artist from Colorado? NOT Ann Arbor? What?
RUKiddingMe
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 10:14 p.m.
Bear, you seem very certain the dollar amount quoted is for the entire project of rain garden, including art. After reading this story, it seems to me like the $23,800 IS in fact JUST for the art part. Can anyone (A2.com?) clarify on this, or provide link to info?
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 10:09 p.m.
Just a general overview of what a rain garden is and what it accomplishes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_garden If you think this is just about 'fish art' than you are missing the big picture here. This area is prone to flooding every time we get a major rainstorm. This project's priimary purpose is to mitigate that flooding. Everyone here seems to be sidetracked by the fish art and thinking that the $23,000 is only being spent on the art. Well, it's not. Pay attention to what is being done and why. This is actually an inexpensive installation, overall, if this is the price for it. And the good it does for that particular area in helping deal with flooding is invaluable. Please think about what you are saying before complaining in a knee-jerk fashion. It makes you look silly and unintelligent to do otherwise.
DJBudSonic
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:25 a.m.
I thought that the 24K was just for the art, art engineering and installation; and that the rain garden is a separate cost, which includes the landscape design, engineering and installation. Some was done already and paid for when they demo'd the house. I agree that 24K is a fair price for this art. I tried to find out the details from the AAPAC minutes, but they are not available on-line. I am sure that if one was to contact one of the commissioners or someone from city services they could find out for you, I would like to know also.
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 10:12 p.m.
If I am incorrect about the total funding for this project, please point it out. I am not above being corrected when I am wrong or mistaken about an issue. Let the facts be known. I really feel that this article could've been better written and concentrated upon the virtues of the rain garden a bit more than just focusing on the minimalist artwork.
Kevin Maloney
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:38 p.m.
If we pointed them at certain landmarks around town like Kerrytown, we could label them and use them as directional signs! Good thing they aren't in a historic district a few blocks away. The artist would have to get a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission. We wouldn't want anyone confused about the historic nature of our beloved town as big metal fish emerge from the flooded grass.
Goofus
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.
24K going to an out of town artist...
vesna
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 7:39 p.m.
I agree with questioning why we didnt choose an Ann Arbor artist...
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 10:02 p.m.
I agree that they should use and promote local artists instead of getting them from out of state.
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 10:01 p.m.
Goofus, you are really pushing the edge of credibility with the "high-priced" comment. The total for this project is $23,000. How much do you think it is going to cost to effectively turne this location into a rain garden that will mitigate flooding in the flood-prone area there? This is cheap, not expensive.
Goofus
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.
They never seem to for these highpriced civic projects...wouldn't want local tax dollars to stay local, apparently...
Leahpanda
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
Why do we look to another state/county for our art. Certainly there are Ann Arbor artists we could select.
The Picker
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
The % for art people are certainly not locavars !
The Picker
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
Will the artist be spending the dough locally?
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 9:59 p.m.
This I agree with %100! To talk about keeping this city 'sustainable' and yet not support/promote local artists for such projects is unreasonable in my opinion.
rm1
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
I like this array of fish. Several people have said these fish, a least at first glance, look like pigs. ? ? Maybe you know of some pretty funny-looking pigs, but I've never seen a pig with a tail like that, or a pig with a snout like that, or a pig with lower extremities like those. Maybe the fish's back bears some relationship to the shape of some large boar. At the risk of undue sarcasm, maybe some people here should refrain from comments about art.
vanarbor
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 6:29 p.m.
Why doesnt the article mention that First and Kingsley is directly above the now underground Allen Creek. The whole fish thang seems to tie in perfectly... almost seems like a statement about the "denaturalization" of the area.
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
This is nice. Though I might have preferred trout. Then again, trout are a bit over-depicted, so bass are a good choice.
A2since74
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 3:51 p.m.
Why a large mouth bass? How can we tell if they are really large mouth bass? In order to do so, need to see that the mouth passes a verticle line drawn from the eye. If it does, would be large mouth. If not, small mouth.
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 9:57 p.m.
the word is 'vertical', not verticle..... "sigh"
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:43 p.m.
The great thing about art is that it all comes down to your interpretation.
Z-man
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
The predominant species of fish in the Huron River is smallmouth, not largemouth.
Brad
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
Really. It would be a lot more "authentic" if they were a school of 20lb carp.
Marcia H
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 3:48 p.m.
"A budget of $23,380 was established for the project." Can anyone guess why this amount? So that the project did not require approval of City Council, that's why. The amount is just below the threshold that requires a vote of Council to approve the expenditure. It is an end run by the people on this commission, and an effort to protect incumbent Council members who would have been voting to, once again, spend road and sewer money on art. The Art Commission is able to spend road and sewer money on this project, thanks to the Council members who refused to support Jane Lumm, Sumi Kailsapathy and Mike Anglin in their efforts to refund the road and sewer money skimmed by the Percent for Art program.
JRW
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:28 a.m.
Thank you, Marcia. The arts commission needs to be disbanded and all money earmarked for public art needs to be used for roads and sewers. This kind of end run should not be tolerated. This is the mayor's last term in office; the residents are sick of using funds for public art while roads are crumbling and potholes are unfilled.
Brad
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 10:55 p.m.
"The way you and other detractors are talking, you'd think the entire amount is being spent on the fish art. " Yep, you have it now. All of the $24K is for the art.
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 9:54 p.m.
marcia, you seem to be so knowledeable about this issue, can you please tell me how much of the money is dedicated to creating the rain garden and how much is actually being spent on the fish art? Since a total of $23,000 is being spent on this project, and the rain garden is being constructed to help mitigate the stormwater flooding in that area, I would like to know just what is being spent where. The way you and other detractors are talking, you'd think the entire amount is being spent on the fish art. I don't much care for the fish art personally, but I do like the idea of a rain garden. But all I hear is inappropriate complaints that distort what is actully occurring in this spot. It's a rain garden, that happens to have some fish art on it. Not the other way around.
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:43 p.m.
Cry me a river full of artful fish.
Goofus
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
They lost me at "Colorado-based artist"...
Brad
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
Perfect except for one thing. They need to add Fonzie and the water ski jump.
SonnyDog09
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.
... and they need laser beams on their heads.
DJBudSonic
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 3:12 a.m.
Funny as a crutch, Rich
arborani
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:46 a.m.
Brad, we loved your comment, but we're taking a beating with the "down" votes. Sorry about that.
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 10:18 p.m.
Sit on it, Potsie!
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
Heeeeeey!
arborani
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
Brilliant.
Dog Guy
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
As these fish look like they are evolving legs and heading for land, future graffiti will be "DARWIN".
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 9:49 p.m.
graffiti? Graffiti on WHAT? are you going to have miniature words written on the fish? What space is this graffiti that everyone is complaining about going to occupy? Give me a break!
motorcycleminer
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
I think a nice forest of metal dollar $$$ signs would be more appropiate...
mady
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
Yes, right outside city hall!
Peter Eckstein
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
I suspect this absurd fish design was chosen because the % for art program would be totally illegal unless each installation has some connection ("nexus") with the fund from which the money has been diverted. So these fish may have some connection with the funding source but no rational or aesthetic relationship with the rain garden itself. The same "logic" dictated that there be a (part-time) plumbing fixture in front of City Hall because much of the money for it was diverted from a water-related fund. Enough, already.
Brad
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
Looks like $25K worth of giant fish cookie cutters to me. Sure, we had to have that.
KMHall
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
I noticed that. Hopefully the final product will transcend the cookie cutter look.
imisstheprintpaper
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
Whenever I read articles about improvements to Ann Arbor, I am always amused by the comments. The handful of critics that always bash the major and city council for wasting money and otherwise abusing their offices. Have any of you critics actually been to Ann Arbor? Have you traveled to other similar sized cities? I ask this because Ann Arbor is the most vibrant, bustling, interesting safe city of its size I have ever been in. When I go to downtown in the evenings, I think I am in a tourist town. People are everywhere, year round. People live in the downtown area, and not just students. I remember 20 years ago when Ann Arbor looked to be a much different empty sometimes scary place. And yes, vibrant urban centers that attract a diverse, educated and interesting population need to spend money to remain vibrant and interesting. I suggest all of the critics relocate to Flint, Saginaw or Gary, Indiana where there is no public art and parking is cheaper and available. I think the current administration is doing a fantastic job and I will always live and retire in the area because of Ann Arbor.
JRW
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:33 a.m.
"I suggest all of the critics relocate to Flint, Saginaw or Gary, Indiana where there is no public art and parking is cheaper and available. " This sounds like a "love it or leave it" statement. Sorry, "imiss". Residents have the right to criticize the city they live in. If you don't like it, don't read those comments. Just read the comments you agree with. But don't tell residents to relocate if they criticize the city where they reside. Your point of view is only one of many.
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 9:46 p.m.
great commenting, imisstheprintpaper! I don't recall Ann Arbor being scary 20 years ago, when I returned to live here once more. It has continued to work to improve itself and, if you take a look at the history of Ann Arbor, it's citizens have always worked to improve it for generations to come, instead of only seeking out answers that fit their own narrow needs or opinions. I like that about this town. I agree with your suggestions that critics go somewhere else, where cities have been forced to institute the changes they wish to see here. Some people simply cannot see beyond their noses. I live here because it's an awesome town to live in and is unique. There are a lot of cities that are like Ann Arbor, but they are "not" Ann Arbor. This place is one of a kind, inimitable and a wonderful place to live. I get the feeling that a lot of the chronic complainers don't even live here.
KMHall
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 5:39 p.m.
imissthprintpaper: Thank you for taking the time to write. I've lived here for 65 years. There were areas of town that we stayed away from 50 years ago, 40 years ago, etc. Main street was desolate at one point. Ann Arbor is great. No government is perfect. The comment section is such an opportunity for honest, productive debate and enlightenment, but some of the comments are so discouraging. It's great to voice an opinion that goes against someone else's but often the tone here is as if there is only one correct view. Some people like metal fish, some don't. Some want slower traffic and some want to zoom through town. I would ask the commenters - don't express your taste in a way that disparages every one else's.
DJBudSonic
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
Ann Arbor was not a scary place 20 years ago, I have lived here for over 30 years and you honestly think it was scary in 1993? That is a mayor/DDA taking point, nice try.
Brad
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:45 p.m.
" When I go to downtown in the evenings, I think I am in a tourist town" Don't you hate it? Who wants to live in a tourist town?
LA
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:25 p.m.
good comment, thanks. Tho I am disappointed in this artwork, I support public art.
mabb
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 1:59 p.m.
You've got to be kidding !! Can't they find anything better than this????
Brad
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 7:31 p.m.
Here's a thoughtful suggestion - use the $24K on something truly useful.
KMHall
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.
Nicholas Urfe We need more like you. Excellent.
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:46 p.m.
The part where you made thoughtful suggestions must have been cut-off from your comment.
An Arborigine
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Nice idea, but the execution is less than awe inspiring.
DJBudSonic
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 1:38 p.m.
I would suggest that they get rid of the two smaller "rising out fish" profiles and replace them with large stones on site instead. There is also going to be a bench somewhere as part of the rain garden plan I assume this will be integrated into the art placement. It's not too bad for the money, I heard they are keeping it under $24K because that is the cut-off limit for council to approve, any project under $24K does not need council approval to spend the money, which I disagree with. Council needs to stop giving away their authority over spending to others. I wonder how many other departments are allowed to spend our tax dollars under a spending limit rule like this? Certainly the DDA spends millions every year without council approval. That being said, I still think this is a good value project; since council voted to not return the $850K gathered under the original 1% program, I say spend it in as many small places as possible. We could have around 32 pieces of art at this budget level, provided it is not all blown on the underwhelming Stadium Bridges art.
pbehjatnia
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
i thought they were pigs when i first saw the picture. so hieftje gets his way afterall. all the wasted tax payer dollars on hieftjes art for himself. i like art. in fact, i love art. but i love publicly funded art only when all the bills for necessities are paid in full and on time. which isnt the case in the deuce and hasnt been for a long while. but for all the tax payers now grumbling about the back door continuation of the hieftje art program: you voted for him again and youre getting what you asked for.
Linda Peck
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:58 p.m.
Comical, amusing, no sharp pointy things. Not bad.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:42 p.m.
"As one moves along the one-way street, the sculptures will take on an false perspective of motion — as if swimming, " ....causing a driver distraction resulting in several accidents.... or something like that. hopefully 1st and Kingsley won't be known as "dead mans curve" as one driver after another is drawn to the "false perspective of motion — as if swimming." Nothing like starting my day with a couple cups of coffee and a little hyperbole.
The Picker
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
Watch out Craig ! It appears they will be swimming against traffic !
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 9 p.m.
Don't forget "too" instead of "to" also, Homeland conspiracy. If you are going to correct yourself, you may as well go all the way.
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
*be Come on A2.com we (I) need an edit button
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:33 p.m.
They won't see it because they will to busy texting or talking on their ego enhancement device also known as a Hypno phone.
Linda Peck
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:56 p.m.
Love it, Craig!
GoNavy
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
Interesting, but why so far away from the center of the city? Seems like this will benefit the residents of that area (1st and Kingsley) far more than the residents of the City of Ann Arbor. If anybody out there *regularly* walks the 1st and Kingsley area, please correct me.
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.
you seem to be ignoring the primary function of this project, which, it seems, the writers have failed to emphasize. It is that the area, which is prone to flooding after rainstorms, is part of the projects round town to mitigate flooding and stormwater runoff. 1) the project that was done on Pioneer High grounds was a major stormwater management project to deal with Allen Creek runoff. 2) the parking lot where the old YMCA was is designed to allow what would be runoff to soak into the ground instead. 3) the 4th avenue project that is just now being finished up was done to improve stormwater drainage. 4) this project is a 'rain garden', which if you'll look it up, is meant to deal with flooding, which that area is prone to. Tell me that SOMEBODY around here actually pays attention to what is going on around them instead of just complaining!
Brad
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 4:26 p.m.
So what city are people in the First/Kingsley area residents of? Sounds like you've been infected with the "downtown-centric" virus. As far as "so far away", it's like a third of a mile on a straight line to city hall. Unless you're just being sarcastic, in which case it would all make a lot more sense.
DJBudSonic
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 1:22 p.m.
It is pretty heavily trafficked street section, but I don't know about the foot traffic.
A2anon
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
Oh, I really like this!
Barzoom
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
Can't we do better than this?
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:51 p.m.
I really hate to tell you, but much of that money is going to the creation of a rain garden, designed to alleviate the flooding in that spot from stormwater runoff. Do any of you even bother to think about what you are saying before commenting? Personally, I don't much care for the fish art thing, but the idea of a rain garden in this location is awesome!
Indymama
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
No, remember, the city only agreed to around 23,000 + a few dollars for this project. So by the time the artist comes from ...where was he from?... Colorado? ...and then hauls the metal here....that $23,000 is pretty well shot!! ...and I agree this could be a dangerous place for children!!!
thinker
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:56 a.m.
Are these childproof? Sharp? Something children can climb on? Is the rain garden going to be deep enough at flood time that children could drown? Will there be a fence around it?
KMHall
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
2 Cent Parental responsibility is ideal, but we know how that goes. In our increasingly litigious society the city could spend $$ on a law suit, nevertheless. Terrible waste to build a fence but kids will play there. Unfortunately I see older kids vandalizing. I hate to be a negative commenter. The designed just needs to keep these things in mind I guess.
mady
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
How about the parents actually supervising their children??
Moewan
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
The children, won't somebody think of the children.
leezee
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:16 p.m.
Think too much?
An Arborigine
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
The edges will all be razor-sharp and some even barbed, all to discourage play.
Linda Peck
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:56 p.m.
thinker, you raise good points.
JustMyTwoCents
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
This is a rain garden, not a playground. Just because there is public art installed in an open space does not mean that unsupervised children should be climbing on it. Instead of a fence, how about some parental responsibility?
a2grateful
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
"The fish outlines will be raised and lowered at different heights from the ground surface — some sculptures appearing to be buried." The deeper the better. . . Start the burial at about 6 feet, in a descending array. . . Folks around here are used to their money being thrown into holes (excluding pot holes).
DJBudSonic
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 3:18 a.m.
Why is it always "love it or leave it" when someone is negative about the city? People are well within their first amendment rights to gripe and moan.
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:47 p.m.
why don't you move to saline, chelsea, dexter or howell then? Im sure they will better endure your negative attitude than Ann Arbor. I really cannot understand why you have nothing positive to say on these boards. You really don't live up to your name.
Top Cat
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
When I first glanced at it, I thought it was a pig.
KMHall
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.
Haha so did I. Pigs are cute too. Whatever. I like art.
Chester Drawers
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
If you hadn't told me these are fish, I honestly would not have known.
Halter
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:39 a.m.
I actually like this-- and Im not a big art supporter. The cost is about right. It looks like a nice way to brighten up that blighted corner. And it will look super cool when flooded since we spent the money on art and not stopping the flooding.
mikeh
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 3:07 p.m.
@Bear: Perhaps he is referring to the fact that since the rain garden has been introduced it has done little to impact the flooding, and I have personally seen standing water in the "rain garden" three to four days after a hard rain. While your description of a rain garden is accurate, the reality is far from it.
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:41 p.m.
Once again, showing off a level of ignorance. May I introduce to you what a rain garden is? A rain garden is a planted depression or a hole that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas, like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas, the opportunity to be absorbed. This reduces rain runoff by allowing stormwater to soak into the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters which causes erosion, water pollution, flooding, and diminished groundwater). So, a rain garden is designed to actually "stop the flooding". So, what was your beef again?
Cash
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
As Archie Bunker used to ask "Is that a shot?" Good one!
LXIX
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:28 a.m.
Very moving. I though they were Hieftje Lemmings. Fish? Aren't religious symbols verboten on public property?
DJBudSonic
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 3:20 a.m.
Don't know why your bible lesson is being voted down I appreciated it -
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
Fish in the Gospels Fish are mentioned and given symbolic meaning several times in the Gospels. Several of Jesus' twelve Apostles were fishermen. He commissions them with the words "I will make you fishers of men". At the feeding of the five thousand, a boy is brought to Jesus with "five small loaves and two fish". The question is asked, "But what are they, among so many?" Jesus multiplies the loaves and fish to feed the multitude. In Matthew 13:47-50, The Parable of Drawing in the Net, Jesus compares God's decision on who will go to heaven or to hell ("the fiery furnace") at the end of this world to fishers sorting out their catch, keeping the good fish and throwing the bad fish away. In John 21:11, it is related that the disciples fished all night but caught nothing. Jesus instructed them to cast the nets on the other side of the boat, and they drew in 153 fish. In Matthew 17:24-27, upon being asked if his Teacher does pays the temple (or two-drachma) tax, Simon Peter answers yes. Christ tells Peter to go to the water and cast a line, saying that a coin sufficient for both of them will be found in the fish's mouth. Peter does this and finds the coin.
Halter
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:36 a.m.
Fish in general are not religious symbols...the oval-shaped fish on the back of some '80's era cars are the religious symbol.
craigjjs
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:28 a.m.
Do I need a license to fish there? The one in the back would look great on a bun with some tartar sauce.
a2grateful
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:19 a.m.
Fake trees. Fake fish. Fake leadership. Welcome to folly town.
metrichead
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:45 a.m.
What's with the way Novi acts?
Bear
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
a2grateful, you sound more like an ingrate. Would you rather our local government act more like Novi? If you hate it so much here, why do you not find someplace more to your liking, like Howell, perhaps?
Arboriginal
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
What does this have to do with McGovern for Truth?
DJB
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
I really like this design. I was hoping for something like this at Argo Cascades.
actionjackson
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 10:50 a.m.
Cool!