Argo Cascades: What should artists consider when designing new public artwork?
The city of Ann Arbor is planning a public art project at the site of the popular Argo Cascades on the Huron River, and it wants input from the public.
A pair of kayakers enters the Argo Cascades on Saturday, June 29, on the Huron River in Ann Arbor.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The deadline for chiming in is 5 p.m. July 19.
Three selected artists will visit Argo Cascades and meet with citizens in August. In September, the three artists will present their ideas for a permanent art installation for the site.
Citizens will be invited to attend and give input before the final artwork is selected.
According to a request for artist qualification statements that went out in March, a budget of $115,000 has been established for the selected public art project. The budget must include all artist fees, materials, design, engineering consultation, insurance, travel, fabrication and installation.
"The Argo Cascades public art project will be informed by the historical connection of the urban city and the natural river at this location," the SOQ request states.
"The public art here will be a marker of the community's interest in 'facing the river' and will celebrate the river as an asset and a source of drinking water," it continues. "Because of the celebration of the river as a source of drinking water, the design must convey the importance of water quality and conservation in the use of water to preserve it as a resource."
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
hmsp
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 6:39 p.m.
Still more posts by folks who have obviously never seen the place, calling it "natural." But, Gee, Ryan, You've actually BEEN there, and you call it natural!
Arboriginal
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 6:29 p.m.
How about a nice planting on the north shore? Some cedars, Hinoki Cypress or something that will last?
DonBee
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.
Simply put - DON"T it is a beautiful natural location. Leave it alone. There is peace in natural things - let it be.
Tano
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 7:50 p.m.
It is not natural at all. It is entirely man-made.
oldguy
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
This whole idea is nonsense.... why spend tax dollars on art when nature has made this a pretty spot... no human art can top nature.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:14 p.m.
Argo Cascades is definitely beautiful as it is, and I see why many are inclined to say let's leave nature alone. It will be interesting to see, though, if an art proposal comes forward that can make us say, "Hey, that actually might not be bad there!" I'm open to the possibility that it's possible, though I can't yet picture anything that would make me say that. Take a look at page 11 of the SOQ, though. You can see the ugly utility infrastructure at the end of the Cascades. What about something that might serve to obscure the view of that eyesore? I'm aware we could maybe just plant trees if we wanted to do that, but assuming for a moment that an art project is inevitable (it's not necessarily), is there something that would work well there?
glacialerratic
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 8:01 p.m.
This claim is silly. Writers of magazine feature articles, in both print and digital formats, do respond to some reader letters. This is not such a publication. And the very few news organizations that embrace "the digital platform as a way to engage readers and facilitate discussions" do so as a business, not a journalistic, practice: to drive up reader click rates. But this practice is not found in most responsible news organizations with digital platforms for the reason that it fatally entwines the role of the reporter with that of the marketing staff. With this model, the reporter becomes a shill, lines of a journalist's responsibility become blurred, and the trust of the readership is lost. Rather than reporters interacting with readers, perhaps more attention to editing and mentoring of unprepared interns would be a better use of newsroom time.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 6:39 p.m.
Many news organizations are embracing the digital platform as a way to engage readers and facilitate discussions like this, and AnnArbor.com is no different. It's now common practice to have reporters interact with readers, answer questions that are posed, and pose other questions for the sake of furthering the conversation. We see good results when reporters are actively engaged in the comment section and it often leads to constructive dialogue.
Brad
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
Since almost everyone here seems to be of roughly the same opinion (if there are art supporters here I missed them) I guess I don't see the need to try to change the conversation to something hypothetical. Let's stick to the reality of poor spending choices.
glacialerratic
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 6:18 p.m.
You miss my point. Correct reporting mistakes, but otherwise stay out of it. You're not a discussion moderator which is, and must be, a wholly separate role from that of a journalist. And a moderator shouldn't propose a viewpoint in order to generate discussion or traffic to the site.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 6:04 p.m.
I'm just posing a question for the purpose of having a constructive dialogue, which is a healthy exercise no matter your viewpoint. I'm not stating an opinion whether we should or shouldn't go forward with an art project at the Cascades. Simply asking, is there something that could work there?
glacialerratic
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
aa.com staff should resist inserting themselves and their personal viewpoints or speculation into stories they are trying to cover. This comment is an effort to steer the conversation and raises the question about Mr. Stanton's objectivity.
KMHall
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
We could use some shade near the cascades. Some attractive, natural-looking pergolas?
Kevin Maloney
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
stu·pid (stpd, sty-) adj. stu·pid·er, stu·pid·est 1. Slow to learn or understand; obtuse. 2. Tending to make poor decisions or careless mistakes. 3. Marked by a lack of intelligence or care; foolish or careless: a stupid mistake.
BlueEyesGirl
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.
How about that money goes for paint remover and we remove the "art" left by taggers? Now THAT would make ann arbor much more beautiful! Leave ARGO alone, fix what we already have that is broken.
mady
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 4:24 p.m.
Argo Cascades is beautiful AS IT IS. anything man-made there would be icing on a cake that doesn't need it! Furthermore, I really don't know why the powers-that-be are asking for input on this, as they're going to do what they want regardless of anything we peasants may think!!
Let me be Frank
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.
public art? Forget about it! The Council and mayor need to act responsibly for the present and the future by rescinding this misuse of public tax dollars. It's as egregious as having the recreational dams (Argo and Geddes) operations and maintenance expenses funded from our water bills...which has been the practice for years. Send e-mails and call your council members to let them know that we are mad as hell and want these misuse of funds stopped immediately, then repeat because they are.....
BhavanaJagat
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
WholeDude - Whole Artist : The City has money to spend and it has no choice other than spending it. Being a creationist, I describe the visual effects of biological coloration as the work of a Whole Artist or Whole Designer. In nature, color is generated when the Artist uses a Canvas of his own creation, uses tools of his own imagination, transforms structures using his own inspiration, and applies pigments using invisible chemical factories. If City has to use an artist, I would suggest that the work must include aspects of hydrological cycle showing that Earth receives its fresh water as a blessing from the heaven. I am sure that it would please Sun, the provider of fresh water to all human beings.
Local Yocal
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 3:16 p.m.
Just plant some trees along the walkway...that's it.
Tom Drake
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 3:03 p.m.
stop it with the outside art already. don't spoil the stadium bridge, don't spoil the cascades , they look fine in their natural state. art for art's sake is fine but you can't improve on natural beauty and the distraction is unnecessary. cheez people, just let mother nature do her thing and spend the money where it's needed, not wasted.
themommer
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 3:01 p.m.
And who is supposed to admire this artwork and ponder its meaning? The kayakers who are navigating the "raging rapids"? I'm sure they will back-paddle so they can take time to muse the wonder of it all.
nickcarraweigh
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
I haven't been to the scene, but if the photograph is accurate then this isn't the municipal Christmas tree. It won't look any better no matter how much sparkle and tinsel we hang on it. Whoever thought this up has the esthetic sense of an ill-bred baboon, and whatever artists bid on it should love money and ridicule equally.
rocco
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:42 p.m.
I'm with Siebeb7. I appreciate the unperturbed beauty of nature. Why alter it? I do like Andy Goldsworthy's approach of creating ephemeral art from natural materials and letting them dissolve as part of nature 's rhythms. But why create permanence when nature is so dynamic?
amlive
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
I'm curious, where can you find and unperturbed beauty of nature around the old millrace? Short of putting the river in a tunnel and paving over it, I don't know if you could make this section of 'river' any more perturbed or man made. Not saying it's a bad thing, just that there's absolutely nothing 'natural' about the place.
TryingToBeObjective
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
The first sentence should read "the mayor of Ann Arbor is planning ANOTHER public art project and waste of taxpayer money....." It is quite apparent the mayor doesn't care about public opinion. If he did, he would know how to appropriate tax payer funds. Nature as been beautiful AS IS for a whole lot of years. Leave it alone. That's my "citizen input."
Bcar
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
How about put the $ towards roads or police??!!??
JRW
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
"...a budget of $115,000..." How many potholes would $115k fill? We have seen zero trucks filling potholes in the city this spring and summer. Stop spending money on "art" and start maintaining the crumbling roads.
hmsp
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
Evidently a lot of the commenters here have never visited the trickle with the cringeworthy name "The Argo Cascades." The large expanses of concrete, poorly disguised with some rocks stuck on top of them, remind me of cupcakes with a few hard candies stuck on top. But many commenters consider this "natural" looking: "...the art provided by the rocks, water and foliage of mother nature..." "Nature is it's own art!!!" "... a place, which already has its own natural beauty..." "...do not sully the beauty of the Argo Cascades which should remain entirely natural." "...the backdrop is all natural." ******** Commenter Timber, however, has a more realistic view: "The City of Ann Arbor won't be happy until they've paved over the entire city" ******** And as for: "...the uncertain whitewater path that kayakers must venture into." Sheesh. Don't get me started! Oops, too late, here I go: This is not whitewater, and was never designed to be! It is a 60 CFS trickle designed specifically to get non-paddlers past the dam. And uncertain? What is uncertain about no choices to make! You just go straight through a series of small, almost-identical chutes. Not like an actual rapids where you can choose from many different routes.
amlive
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
On a more serious note, I have actually found value in this area for introducing my 9 year old daughter to the basics of scouting the currents and 'hazards', lining up a run, intentionally navigating the currents below, etc. She's run it a few times solo now, and with no real hazards and minor currents that a 6" bicep can manage, it's provided a great setting for teaching basic fundamentals to beginners.
amlive
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
Navigating the slides and ladders at Jungle Java is a much more challenging and perilous thrill (and approximately equivalent as a 'natural feature'). Then again, I suppose navigating narrow water passageways clogged up by oblivious floating drunks with paddles can be appreciated as a challenge of it's own.
Dog Guy
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:42 p.m.
The Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle was a joy of my childhood. It is flanked by a statue of its posthumous donor, a scoundrel held in universal scorn. Surely one of Ann Arbor's rich scoundrels could bequeath to The Cascades, where the Huron will flow even though thieves have ripped all copper pipes from The Scott Memorial Fountain.
LXIX
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
Thankfully, those who leave comments on A2com only represent a tiny minority of Ann Arbor. The other vast number of voters think differently. They would probably say something like "Hurray for art" "Hurray for the DDA" "Hurray for assimilation... Human carbon unit" Well, maybe not. But their governing representatives would. And that's all that matters.
Tano
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
No better way to get voted down 'round here than to say something true. The elected officials in this town have a history of winning the support of, often, overwhelming majorities of the voters. The commenters here really are very out of touch with the populace at large - somehow that doesn't stop them from claiming to speak for "the people".
Peter Eckstein
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
Will the insanity never end?
amlive
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
How about setting aside the notion that art and function have to be two separate articles? Hire an architect with some artistic sense, and commission a new pavilion and landscaping down at the lower end of the millrace, or work on emphasizing the aesthetic on other features that includes function. Don't choose art from an isolated bubble of the singular installation. Look first at the use of the area, and work toward something that improves everyone's experience rather than just a pretty prop to look at as you pass by. Right now the biggest improvement to aesthetics might be more trash and recycling recepticals rather than the few roll around plastic pickup bins that are overflowing by 2:00 on weekends.
kuriooo
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 8:10 p.m.
I like this idea, too. Functional and can also look interesting with some neat design aspects.
Will
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:22 p.m.
. . . how about if we don't do anything. Why must AA think it needs to "beautify' something that nature has done a pretty darn good job of. Just leave it alone!
JRW
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
Exactly. There are better uses of the money, such as fixing the roads!
Timber
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:15 p.m.
This must be a joke, right?? The City of Ann Arbor won't be happy until they've paved over the entire city and then stick the obligatory "art" on it as a final stamp of approval. This is a natural green area (well, except for the man-made chutes) for people to get outside and enjoy the river, the trees, and nature. Why in the world would anyone even consider erecting some piece of art in the middle of this lovely green space?? Any "art" they chose would look artificial - and stick out like a sore thumb. STOP THE MADNESS !! City of Ann Arbor ... If this money for art is burning such a hole in your pocket, please go fill some of our 30,000 potholes with the funds.
Dirty Mouth
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.
Argo Cascades are fine the way they are. The only thing that IS missing is a beer cart along the route.
MyOpinion
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:12 p.m.
Unlike everyone else, I can imagine an art project that would be appropriate for the setting. I'd have an interactive feature where folks could try and build rock structures: http://bit.ly/12t3Ss7 Over time the rocks would disappear, so it would be a temporary project, but 115,000 could buy lots of flat rocks.
kuriooo
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 8:09 p.m.
I actually really like this idea. I don't think we need art, but a lot of interesting rocks that could be stacked in different ways might be neat. I'm envisioning something similar to the "fort" structure up in the Children's Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, only with larger and smaller rocks, some smoother and some less smooth.
Radlib2
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
Art ofter errs; nature never misses.
NotABleedingHeartLiberal
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.
Just say NO to stupidity! Other than the rocks placed for entry the backdrop is all natural. To put an art installation here just shows the ignorance of this department. Stop spending money on stupid things and use it for something that matters.
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:55 p.m.
Let's see now, the Cascades were created as an enhancement of the original dam race and now some have decided to enhance the enhancement with art work? Eh? "The public art here will be a marker of the community's interest in 'facing the river' and will celebrate the river as an asset and a source of drinking water," – Meanwhile, within sight of the Cascades, visitors also get to look at the backside of the "very disappointing" North Main Street Corridor leading into and out of the city. To my knowledge, this has never been attempted but it might be worth a try: build a small water purification installation and disguise it as an artful fountain which returns purified water to the river. At least lets try doing something FOR the Huron River rather than trying to hide its degraded presence behind "art."
Karen
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Nothing. Leave it the way it is. And use the money to pay for city services like road repair. And get rid of the public art department.
JRW
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
Exactly correct. Fix the roads!
Carole
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
I love art, please do not get me wrong. But when the city budget is in such a bind that roads are not getting repaired, sewers need tended to, AAFD and AAPD is below proper staffing, I think art should be put on hold until such a time there are excessive funds to pay for it. Added to that DDA talking about spending excessive funds for planting new "stuff" in the downtown area. These individuals need to get their priorities straight. Let the beauty of nature take care of the rapids -- for indeed, it is the finest of all.
Goober
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.
The current leadership will never get their priorities straight. History has shown this. The only way to change this experience is to get rid of all of them. Every single one of them. This includes most, if not all of council personnel.
Brad
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
I'd invite people to click thru to the survey and check out the responses to "question 12" which deals with the art. I didn't read all the responses but I'd estimate that over half of them said "we don't need art there". So what are the chances that the city will actually listen to their own survey and reconsider their questionable decision here?
Goober
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
The leadership of our city have proven that they only listen to themselves and not the voters. We need to replace all of them.
NotABleedingHeartLiberal
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1 p.m.
Slim to none!
kuriooo
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
I also agree - no art. I sincerely hope that everyone who is opposed also takes the survey to say "no thank you" to the art installation, or to express politely their thoughts. If you're looking for the survey link, it's contained in the article.
Stan Hyne
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
It is my belief that the city already spent money to design this area. Anything additional would be superfluous, and distracting from the attempt at natural beauty.
Hugh Giariola
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
Who wants to bet they commission another out-of-state or better yet, another out-of-country artist for the work?
Brad
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.
How about a drinking fountain to "celebrate the river as an asset and a source of drinking water". And then statues of city council relieving themselves in the water to illustrate what they do with our tax dollars.
LauraM
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
As for the drinking fountain idea: when they put this in, they removed a drinking fountain at the far end. (opposite end from the dam) I used that drinking fountain many times when running. I'd like to see it put back. It wasn't fancy but it worked.
Goober
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.
I agree with other commenters. The city leaders should cancel this project and return all funds to their original sources. Oh - get rid of any and all art related positions on the city payroll. We have no need for these positions. If the voters want art in the future, I am sure there are many that would volunteer to help.
nursereadytogo
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.
Couldn't that 115,000 dollars be better spent elsewhere? Why add man made art to what nature "the natural Artist" has created? Poor use of the tax payers money.
Tano
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
Nature is not an artist. And the Argo Cascades are not natural.
Barzoom
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
Another example of our city government looking to spend money on something that is unnecessary and not wanted. Maybe the next election will provide them with a lesson.
JRW
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
I sure the next election sends a message that residents of AA are sick of money being spent on frivolous projects and not on road maintenance. ENOUGH!
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
I'm opposed to any art here as many are. But I also suggest the use of words "natural" and "nature" are a bit out of line because we are discussing a feature that was man made to alter what was the natural flow of the river. Or at least the "natural flow" given the man made dams in place.
Carole
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:54 p.m.
Man should have left it alone.
Veracity
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.
The survey does not offer the choice of "No art -- do not sully the beauty of the Argo Cascades which should remain entirely natural."
Tano
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
The Argo Cascades are not natural.
JRW
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:06 p.m.
Of course. The survey is like asking: why do you beat your wife? The assumption is that everyone WANTS art, which is wrong to start with.
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
That's it you don't have a CHOICE! there will be "art" whether you like it or not! sad very sad
motorcycleminer
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:48 a.m.
Gee how about "NONE"...we don't need anymore " Egotagging " period...
Richard Wickboldt
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:38 a.m.
This is a perfect example of how this public art program should be discontinued. Whoever is involved in moving this project forward is out of touch with reality! Putting art in such a place, which already has its own natural beauty, is a fool's pursuit. Nature and the natural living world is fantastic and unique art in itself and cost us nothing. It even changes every day and with special effects each coming season. We must put an end to this program and the waste of hard earned tax dollars before this whole town is plastered with out of place art and looks like the Land of Oz. The next generation of Ann Arborites will be shaking their heads at us and then spending their hard earned tax dollars removing the art. I would rather be spending this art $$ planting trees all over town to help save the environment from global warming. Trees will be… no is drastically needed now as a carbon dump. The second effect would be making our town cooler. The third effect we would have art in the beauty of our trees and the maintenance would be minimal and it would last a long long time. This other art being put up all over town will be meaningless in 20 plus years as the world becomes inhospitable to us humans because of global warming. End public art NOW! Plant trees and help mitigate global warming!
DJBudSonic
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
S/B "The AAPAC..."
DJBudSonic
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
Take the online survey and say the same thing. Let them know that you would rather have additions to the lanscaping than art. Only if there is overwhelming support for a 'no art/yes landscaping' can anything be done to stop the waste of money. If the majority of respondents say they want enhanced landscaping, not art, and a reduced budget for the project, for the AAPAC to suggest otherwise, and the council to accept any other recommendation, would so clearly fly in the face of public wishes as to almost be treasonous. The AAAC is an advisory committee, the council is the one spending the money.
Rkady
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
I agree with Richard; no artificial enhancement is needed for this area of the river. The beauty of the trees, the cascading water, the sunlight playing upon the natural elements are all fine as they are. Nature is quickly reasserting itself here, why can't we simply enjoy nature? Keep the art away. May I be so bold as to suggest that the cascades themselves are a suitable work of art, well done, and striking? Let's not guild the lily.
Carole
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
Wonderfully worded -- nature is beautiful, lets enjoy it.
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.
Nothing more needs to be said, you nailed it
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:37 a.m.
I might suggest the cascades themselves are art. A bunch of strategically placed boulders by humans for a desired effect. Seems like art to me.
TinyArtist
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
The obvious answer to the question posed in the headline: consider not doing it. This sort-of-a-natural water feature needs no embellishments.
Bubba43
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
Why do you need ART there. Nature is it's own art!!!
Laurie Barrett
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 8:29 p.m.
"I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want." ? Andy Warhol.
LXIX
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:25 a.m.
Large portrais of City Council members and the Art Commissioners should adorn each of the cascade rocks. Looking boldly down the uncertain whitewater path that kayakers must venture into. Of course, the mayor should get the first and biggest rock of them all. Watercolor paint would be an appropriate medium.
PineyWoodsGuy
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
@LXIX. Great Post!!!
Goober
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.
The artists (and AA tax payers) should consider, if selected, they are being paid by money skimmed from other budgets and needs. Their art might even reflect this - like a hand in someone else's pocket, or a mouth drooling, or even a big pot hole. Go figure!
A2comments
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
How abut spending $25,000? You don't need to spend the entire budget just because it exists...
Sieben 7
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 11:01 a.m.
Is there a problem with the art provided by the rocks, water and foliage of mother nature? I just don't understand why it is necessary to introduce man-made art to something that has already been altered by man once (or in this case at least twice).
Mindfulmoon
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 7:43 p.m.
I agree. This seems like a frivolous venture that takes away from the beauty of being in nature.
Tano
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.
@77 The rocks, water and foliage can be very beautiful, but it is not "art", and nature is not maternal. As you point out, the Argo Cascades are not a natural feature - they are entirely man-made. So I don't quite understand your objection to humans putting a decorative or interesting final flourish on one of our creations.
1bit
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
@77: You nailed it.
Brad
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:58 p.m.
It's about their "legacy". So 50 years from now people can still be laughing at them.
Stan Hyne
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
it is almost like the city wants to get into the tagger business and put their mark on all parts of the city. The city was here!!!!!
Elaine F. Owsley
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 10:45 a.m.
How about free? In return for the recognition and lasting display of their ability.
andralisa
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
how about you go to work for free then, you'll get recognition and maybe free lunch?
Brad
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 1:12 p.m.
Just look at the name recognition you get. For example the name "Dreitsel" is now synonymous with blinky blue light dry fountains. You can't buy that kind of advertising.
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Jul 6, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
How much work do you do for free? Do you also donate the materials that you use in your profession?