Artists unveil design proposals for public art installation at Stadium bridges
Four artists' proposals are under consideration as the city of Ann Arbor looks to complete a $360,000 public art installation at the site of the East Stadium Boulevard bridges.
The artists gave presentations Friday afternoon inside city hall, and their ideas for adding their own artistic touch to the new concrete span over State Street vary widely.
Aaron Seagraves, the city's public art administrator, said the tentative schedule calls for selecting an artist by June 20.
All design proposals are considered "working proposals" at this time, and each artist made it clear they want to have dialogue with residents regarding details, colors and other flexible parts of the projects, said Bob Miller, chairman of the city's Public Art Commission.
'Lady Ann'
Atlanta-based artist Volkan Alkanoglu proposes a sculpture titled "Lady Ann" that is intended to serve as a "gateway structure and visual identity for the bridge and Ann Arbor in large."
The artwork includes 100 cones extruding from a central surface, celebrating "the notion of perception, place and innovation."
The piece would be located alongside the bridge on a pedestrian staircase. The proposed aluminum sculpture consist of several lightweight surfaces and custom extruded cones connected to a lightweight wheel structure, its structural core lifted off the ground by three steel columns.
"Our inspiration is based on both a historic reference of Ann Arbor's industry (the mill) and a contemporary reflection of mobility (the wheel)," the artist writes.
'Dot Matrix'
San Francisco-based artist Matt Passmore of Rebar Group Inc. proposes a concept titled "Dot Matrix" that draws inspiration from round, raised pavement markers known as "Botts dots," named after Elbert Dysart Botts, a California transportation engineer.
In that context, Dot Matrix is "a multi-modal meditation on repurposed infrastructure that celebrates and elevates the symbolic status of the Botts' dot by positioning it as an integral element of a large-scale public artwork," the artist writes.
Dot Matrix comprises more than 100 anodized aluminum "stalks" of various heights, each capped with a Botts dot. The piece is designed to integrate into four sites.
At one end, along the Rose-White Park fence, Dot Matrix begins with simple dots on the pavement along the edge of the sidewalk. As the visitor continues toward the White Street termination, the dots grow taller, appearing to extrude from the ground plane, growing and clumping in formations.
At the underpass, the dot stalks grow taller and curve like vines, appearing to grow through the wall of the underpass. Finally, the piece culminates in tall, straight elements along the bridge, intended to match the scale and intensity of the nearby Big House and the roar of the crowds within it.
'Arbor Winds'
Massachusetts-based artist Catherine Widgery proposes a concept titled "Arbor Winds" that's largely based on the tree as a symbol of Ann Arbor's identity.
The piece would include two lines of iconic trees etched into stone panels on the bridge underpass. Each tree panel would be lit at night by LED fixtures, making the underpass glow at night.
Additionally, Widgery proposes a series of glass screen panels along the sidewalk at the White Street termination on the north side of the bridge, with ghostly images of trees etched into the glass.
The third element in "Arbor Winds" is a series of eight banners attached to the streetlight poles on the bridge itself. They would appear to curl as if caught by the wind.
The banners would be comprised of several 6-inch squares of etched acrylic held in aluminum frames that are welded together. The streetlights would illuminate the banners at night.
Untitled
Washington-based artist Sheila Klein presented what she calls "two families of ideas" with two options for each, making four distinct proposals with the added possibilities of some hybrids.
First, she proposes retrofitting the streetlight poles along the bridge. Conceptual images show yellow dots painted on each pole with an added "crown" component at the top. She suggests ideas for a combination of graphics applied to the poles and a nearby fence.
Underneath the bridge, she proposes painting part of bridge blue and installing a flattened tubular chandelier that would be visible to people passing under the bridge on State State.
"Marking the center allows you to experience the sculptural volume of the underpass," she writes. "The volume is defined and amplified by the painted surface."
As another option, she suggests adding 25-foot twin sculptures of cheerleaders in pyramid formation on both sides of the bridge — visible to those passing over the bridge.
As yet another option, she suggests the possibility of planting a series of large trees in 15-foot-tall planters along both sides of the bridge.
"The idea here is to create a new sculptural Annie's Arbor by planting local trees with seasonal interest into a series of planters elevated along either side of the roadway," she writes. "The reframing and elevating of trees seems an apt metaphor for a place known as Tree Town."
Related: Rate initial design proposals for Stadium Bridges public art installation
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
artman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.
As an artist who has done public commissions, I agree that the proposals presented are not the quality that one would expect for $360,000. Reopen the competition and advertise it more broadly. While it shouldn't necessarily be only local artists, there are literally hundreds of sculptors and artists nationwide who would love to propose something for this site. Where was it advertised? All of these proposals suffer from the seen-that-before syndrome. Safe non controversial art that means nothing. Glitzy computer generated proposals, but where's the art? Start over, other competitions have done so.
jen777
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 6:43 p.m.
oh my - all of this is so ugly What about some standard art - you don't need to be modern to be classy or maybe something retro. What about Michigan artists or UM Art students... Why even have art there?
traveljunqey
Tue, Jun 18, 2013 : 12:47 p.m.
Seriously? This is the best they could come up with? Look around the UofM campus, particularly North Campus, and you'll see what public art can and should be. These proposals are nowhere near that calibre. No wonder people are upset about the public art program.
Sparty
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 8:25 p.m.
Arbor Winds for sure .....
Arno B
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
Why not put up a statue of Shakey Jake?
cibachrome
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
It's the "Stadium Bridge". Shouldn't a "Hail to the Victors" theme be incorporated into the design ? I'm a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, myself. What would he do ? Or a Curtis Jere' metal artwork theme would best suit this structure. You know, '70s hotel art. Ann Arbor is not the "Tree City". Howell is.
edredneck
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
How about a huge electric fan, 30 ft in diameter and 50 feet tall that runs continuously, spewing out into the wild blue yonder each of the 360,000 dollar bills. They could have a large trap for the bills that directs them into tubing that shovels them back in front of the fan. Wouldn't that be wonderful? You could watch the same money fly around every day of the year; think how thrilling that would be - reusable money. WOW!!!
kathryn
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 11:09 a.m.
Arbor Winds. So where again do we go to vote for real?
Brian Bundesen
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:11 a.m.
Gotta be April 1, right?
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 11:29 p.m.
OMG - unbelievable. Who are these people? Those who "narrowed" the choices down to these 4 and the "artists" who think this is art. It has all been said: Have any of these been submitted for risk management evaluation? Falling pieces of the "art", falling ice and snow, slippery, protruding, climbing * falling. With all of the rules and restrictions the city has for things we install at our homes, I can't imagine any of these will pass the safety test. The only one with any redeeming merit is Arbor Winds. And, my biggest complaint: IF YOU ARE GOING TO SPEND THIS MONEY FOR THIS PURPOSE, HIRE SOMEONE FROM MICHIGAN, PREFERRABLY FROM ANN ARBOR. Preferably, don't spend the money on this project - let's see, what could we save in essential services if we applied it there? I just can't believe people entrusted to make a selection for this project believe this is the best of the submissions - and if it is - write a new RFP or make the process competitive. Best words: pathetic, embarrassing, UGLY!
Robert Hughes
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
So I listened to the artists as they made their presentations. Some of them (#1 included if I remember correctly) made mention of the fact that they intend to farm out the manufacturing to local firms. That's right, local people will benefit from the construction of these projects if we ask for it; and in some cases, the artist in question has already suggested as much. A very prominent part of proposal #1 was overlooked in the review here (unless I missed it in the comments). The artist proposes that about 100 different ideas by Ann Arbor residents - children if I understand correctly - be engraved into the sculpture so they are readable when nearby on foot. Reflections on what Ann Arbor means to me and that sort of thing. All of the artists were professionals who have several or several dozen installations they have created in other cities. Though none of them are exactly to my taste, I think that each of the proposals would enliven and celebrate an otherwise barren part of town.
what4
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
Arbor Winds is the best of the lot. It is not abstract meaningless nonsense, and at least somewhat tied to one of our community themes (Tree City) unlike the others which could be offered to any city with the money and lack of taste to buy them. Like glorifying Bott dot highway markers. Please! I'd rather have some potholes filled or a police officer position funded. Baring that I propose a sculpture of a big Wolverine squatting over the roadway taking a dump
Robert Hughes
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
Actually, if you had listened to the presenters you would see that #1 and #4 both tried to tie in to local history. The first in the idea of a mill - which apparently is part of our local history here (I didn't know that); and the other in terms of cheerleaders (think U of M football) and also in the idea of a floating arbor of trees.
carlye
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 1:36 a.m.
As a local artist that knows ann arbor has a ton of talented artists why can't we make our selections from at least Michigan? Do we really have to travel 4000 miles to find expensive junk? These are pathetic...how DO you find these things? It's like you believe it can't possibly be good if you find the artist in your own back yard. Do you think they do the same thing in NY? Start over...put out a Michigan call for creative ideas.
tazna2
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 9:07 p.m.
Is there any chance to vote none of the above
arborani
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:23 p.m.
The poll in a more recent article definitely omits this option.
pegret
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
Unbelievable. Just plain unbelievable.
PattyinYpsi
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 4:49 p.m.
These proposals remind me of those great radio commercials for a local bank--the ones in which an out-of-town banker confidently defines local people and places and gets every single one of them wrong. Because he's not local. And he's arrogant. I agree with those who have said that all of the designs except Arbor Winds are hilariously bad and don't resonate in any way with either the city of the stadium area (except for the cheerleaders design, which is so awful I actually gasped when I saw it). And Arbor Winds is lame and trite. It's pretty, but it looks like the decoration in a mall. The commission needs to throw all of these proposals out and start over. Otherwise--with a toilet brush head, a Wal-mart symbol, some unfinished roadway rebar, and--heaven help us all--cheerleaders, we will make the national news. And the country will be laughing at us, not with us~!
sandy schopbach
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
Go with the trees. After all, this is Tree Town.
JGA2trueblue
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:13 p.m.
None of these "artists" are from Michigan. THIS is the most revolting issue next to the unprofessional and just plain atrocious concepts. Just embarrassing for such a "progressive" and "artistic" Ann Arbor community.
jns131
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
So to save Ann Arbor you gotta have art. Uh huh. So if UM isn't derailing the tax roll Ann Arbor is. Interesting.
Judy
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
I really hope our city leaders are monitoring this comment section, weeding out the non-constructive (if understandable) "yetch" comments, and focusing on the thoughtful ones. Can I support some of those by repeating -- we do NOT need any distractions on the bridge itself (including yellow and blue lampposts, for heaven's sake!) and we certainly want to make the south side of the overpass a welcoming entrance to the city.
blueplatespecial
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:59 p.m.
Bott's dots? Really? I grew up in California where these are ubiquitous (and quite helpful for drivers). But with the need to plow roads, I rarely, if ever, see these in Michigan. Not clear why we would celebrate a California invention that is not even used in the state as the "gateway" to Ann Arbor. Lady Ann's position looming over the stairwell along with its potential to accumulate snow and ice make it a potential hazard. Plus, with its north facing location it is more of a gateway out of Ann Arbor. This may be a nice symbol of the art dollars flowing out of Ann Arbor, but not sure that is what they are shooting for here. Arbor Winds could be pretty-- maybe not a dynamic make you think installation. But the best of this bunch. Untitled is appropriately named. The artist has a hodgepodge of unrelated (and uninspired) concepts here that suggests she struggled to come up with a strong idea and as a result could not even think of a name. What I am most disappointed in is the lack of Michigan artists involved. Did any Michigan-based artists submit a proposal? If so, could we get a look at those?
TinyArtist
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
The best choice, as so many have stated, would be none of the above. The logical choice would be Arbor Winds. But I must say that having trees growing out of egg cups along this bridge would be another fantastic way of letting the world know that Ann Arbor is different.
mr_annarbor
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
Arbor Winds isn't bad. The rest are just asinine. And I'm with the others who are very disappointed that there isn't an Ann Arbor, or at the very least, a Michigan artist among the proposals.
Laurie Barrett
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
Ann Arbor has become a "has been" city. It aches to find its culture again and keeps trying to buy one, as if bling equals character. Values, not money, make a thing honorable.
cfsunlet
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
Option 1--all I can think of are the headlines the winter following installation..."Pedestrian killed on Stadium bridge by falling icicles." Option 2--dots and tubes--what does it have to do with Ann Arbor? To make it work aesthetically, you need a lot more dots. Practicality? what happens when the walk is shoveled or a 'dot' is made slippery by the rain? Option 3- "Meh" and "derivative" are apt descriptions. I like trees, just seems silly to have pictures of trees. Ambient lighting below the bridge is a good idea, also like the ghostly banners and panels. Option 4-I like the blue painting to add depth and the 'chandelier' idea (just not the design of this one). The yellow dots? Very cheesy and thrown together. Also the cheerleaders will make it a laughingstock. how about some interactive, movement based 'Wind art'? Something that could ripple as the cars drive by above the bridge to connect with the pedestrians and cars passing below? Something exciting that makes you want to climb the stairs so you can see more. Something that has appeal if you are driving quickly by and if you are walking and can view it up close. We can do better than this!
Elaine F. Owsley
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
I like the trees along the side wall best. The tortured metal and graffiti-like entries, not so much.
Bubba43
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Yep, that's what we need alright!!!!! What a waste & accidents waiting to happen when you don't concentrate on your driving.
Shi Schultz
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.
I am 99% against this and feel the money can be used else ware. Maybe to re-pave stadium from Main St. to the new bridge? Maybe we could plant some new trees around the city and call them art? P.S. did anyone else notice not one of the "artists" where Ann Arbor based? Maybe moving forward with PUBLIC art in the city of A2 the artist should be city residents?… just a thought…
Hugh Giariola
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 11:51 a.m.
#3 has my vote. #4 looks like the Walmart symbol in the first picture of its series. I picture trash, leaves, and cottonwood seeds getting stuck in #1. And, #2? Meh.. However, I see that there are NO LOCAL or even Michigan artists in the mix. Why is that?
A2comments
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 10:52 a.m.
Many highways have designs imbedded in the concrete walls WHEN THE CONCRETE IS POURED. I suspect that is close to free.
Deb Burch
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 10:31 a.m.
These are mostly kind of odd.
pegret
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
Deb, you're too kind.
olddog
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 10:21 a.m.
It is clear that the word is out , send anything to the council, label it art and they are smitten. This is like the emperors new clothes. The fountain at city hall does not work, the sculpture at the justice center is so misplaced that only the perps who pass thru security can enjoy it. The greatest insult of all is the cheerleaders. It is sexist and does not sync with the history of cheerleaders at the University who for decades were all male. Why does a great piece of architecture need expensive doodads attached to it, the artist should have been the architect, the art should be his/her design. KISS.
dfossil
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 5:26 a.m.
I agree with several that "Arbor winds" is the least useless of all. That "Lady Ann" is awful and as some have noted will be a birds nest for trash!
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:54 a.m.
Put that $360,000 into Stadium before you get to the bridge- how about artistically filling potholes and paving the road? Make it any color you want. Imprint it with tree designs. Just make it smooth. No point in having a decent bridge if the road is an obstacle course.
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:50 a.m.
$5 for the artwork, and $359,995 for cleaning up the graffiti that will appear shortly, the birds nests, and the liability for accidents from drivers distracted by the appalling ugliness, as well as the pedestrians who are tagged by snow if the lady is chosen. I'd say spend $20 at CVS and get the art committee some new reading glasses. This is a bunch of junk. Oh, and go checkout some books on art from the AADL. Start with "Art for Dummies."
hattrix
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:03 a.m.
I'm sorry to say that these are all really tasteless. I am reminded of the halo at the Stadium. It was so tacky that it was eventually replaced. I really agree with the suggestion that we try again with some Michigan artists. Please!!!!
peanutsbutler
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 2:55 a.m.
Instead of using $360,000 of the city money for these mostly tacky proposals, I would like see the City use the local creative youth, who are both familiar with the parts of Ann Arbor and have good taste, to complete projects like these. "creative youth" meaning brilliant art students from U of M (who could receive credit for their work) and public school students (whose art programs are being cut right and left) SAES may have tainted the legitimacy of teenage artists in Ann Arbor, but there are a lot of creative adolescents in Ann Arbor who are both eager and willing to beautify the city in imaginative & productive ways.
cfsunlet
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
This is the best idea yet!
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:35 a.m.
Excellent idea! Infuse some of that cash back into the AAPS, and putting up a plaque giving the artist credit. Or maybe a competition, with a scholarship prize, as well as a donation to the students school. Definitely more tasteful than this, um, "stuff". I was trying to use a term that wouldn't be censored.
quetzalcoatl
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 2:10 a.m.
This isn't art. This is decoration. It's worth less than nothing, because spending money on it squanders some better opportunity -- and every other opportunity is better.
SonnyDog09
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:49 a.m.
I cannot wait until the first winter,when the ice chunks fall off of "Lady Ann" onto the pedestrians below.
Peter Baker
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:31 a.m.
The idea of building the bridge first and slapping art on later is the whole problem. That $360k should've gone towards a prominent architect and engineer who could've made the bridge itself the work of art.
Arboriginal
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 11:17 a.m.
Bingo!
Peter Baker
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 2:31 a.m.
Put it towards design and it could've. Construction of the bridge was the vast majority of the cost, another $360k for a better architect might've helped a lot.
1bit
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:20 a.m.
@PB: They paid $23 million for the bridge. Do you really think an extra $360k would have mattered?
Mark
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:30 a.m.
These are all really awful. It's a bridge. Leave it be.
Peter Baker
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:28 a.m.
I'm generally a supporter of the public art program, but if this is the best we're going to get, I say scrap it, or put someone else in charge. If I had to pick, Arbor Winds is the only one that isn't totally tacky or impractical, but it's also totally trite and lame.
Charles Curtis
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:16 a.m.
Not impressed with any of them. I dont think trees in planters will survive long, our temp vary too much. Best of the worse is Arbor Winds, but is that $350k+ of art? Wonder if art commission is getting a kickback? I think they ought to repost art project.
Bill
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:14 a.m.
Nothing worth considering so save the money and use it for something the city needs, not that the council wants for their ego!
Arboriginal
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 11:36 p.m.
Wow....really?
Urban Sombrero
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 11:24 p.m.
"Arbor Winds" is the only one I like. Which means it won't be chosen.
cab55
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 11:17 p.m.
When I saw these proposals i could hardly wait to read all the comments. I followed one persons advise and got my popcorn ready. I havent laughed that hard for awhile. I am stunned as were others that these were finalists and none we local. Its all just pitiful.
lynel
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 11:10 p.m.
I find it strange that this "art work" is going to be on the north side of the bridge over State Street. The only ones to see it wii be those those headed out of town via State Street. I live in the area and cross over the bridge everyday, If ya gotta have art put it up there where it will be seen.
pegret
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 5:36 p.m.
Not this crap.
newsboy
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:56 p.m.
For a small some and with the help of good friend Tom Waits we could decorate using duct tape, maybe some broken records and old christmas lights. I'm sure we could beat the lowest bid!
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:46 p.m.
I've talked to several people about the proposals now and the consensus seems to be they're generally unhappy with this pool of ideas, but a number of people have said the one concept showing trees etched into stone panels on the bridge underpass might have some potential. What do you guys think? Based on the basic concept shown in the images above, is there potential? Is there anything you'd change about it? For example, would it be an improvement if the artistic elements covered more of the "canvass"?
mpope
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 12:07 a.m.
of the proposals, Arbor Winds is least ludicrous. the other three are more than. but that CAN'T be the goal, can it-- for the city to spend a heap of cash on not-so--ludicrous art? can Arbor Winds be improved? maybe. but why settle for the boring/ pretty-ish option just yet? artistic resources have not been exhausted. the search has hardly been an epic, fruitless endeavor. the committee just got started. think of it this way, committee: someone gives you $360, 000 to purchase a house you'll be forced to live in for a loooooong time-- like 70 or a hundred years. are you gonna make your choice after touring FOUR homes? will you be content to pick the least stoopid house and plan renovations? or are you gonna look at every single house in your price range and area that comes on the market? you're going to look. and you're going to keep looking. and if you don't find it, you're going to wait for the right house to come on the market. and if the perfect house doesn't come up after an exhaustive search, only THEN do you make compromises.
JRW
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
PLEASE provide a list of the members of the art commission, who are making these decisions, and their qualifications.
KateT
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
I like the tree one of the 4. The one with the rods looks like a bad project I did in junior high. The trees look like a "bas relief" in the picture, though and not etching. Amlive has a point. If "we" can do better, if we want a local artist, a good value, etc. OK, show me the money!! A friend of mine once said, "Il est tellement facile a critiquer". Show me other pictures, show me other plans. Maybe some local person could do better, but let's see it. Ryan, will you accept other proposals and possibly print them?
SonnyDog09
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:21 a.m.
The etched trees should be palm trees and other non-native species, so that we can have the illusion that we are in the tropics when we drive under the bridge in February. Non-native fake trees from non-native artists.
Peter Baker
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:31 a.m.
The whole idea of building the bridge first, and then slapping art on later is the problem. That $360k should've gone towards a prominent architect and engineer who could've made the bridge itself the work of art.
Dog Guy
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:46 p.m.
Vicious Lady Ann is the iron maiden myth made manifest. Bland Arbor Winds will not distract drivers in this city of big trees. Not providing us cheerleaders to modify as easily as Barbie ? would be as mean as removing the rock from Hill and Washtenaw. Instant Ann Arbor tradition does it up different.
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:25 p.m.
Ryan, PLEASE provide us with a list of the "public art commission" members who made these choices from those proposals submitted. Along with their names, please provide a short list of the qualifications for each person serving on this committee. The public has a right to know who is making these decisions. This should not be a secret, conducted behind closed doors at City Hall. Who are these people? Thanks in advance.
Ryan J. Stanton
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 7:48 p.m.
The selection panel includes Bob Miller, AAPAC; Wiltrud Simbuerger, formerly of AAPAC; Eli Cooper, city staff; and Nancy Leff, Joss Kiely and Dave Huntoon, from the community where the artwork will be located.
Rod Johnson
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 5:09 p.m.
Why should the list of names be published? Do you demand the same of every article about City Council or the Planning Commission or the Parks Advisory Commission or the DDA? Or is this just axegrinding? This information is super easy to google. Try it.
Veracity
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
Rod Johnson's list of Art Commission members as he posted in a reply to a previous annarbor.com article on June 6th ( http://annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-says-goodbye-to-controversial-percent-for-art/ ): Ashlee Arder, programs coordinator for ArtServe Michigan Connie Brown, Designer Marsha Chamberlin, Arts Professional John Kotarski, Educator Bob Miller, Realtor & Builder (chair) Malverne Winborne, Educator Nick Zagar (not sure how he describes himself) (posted without his permission; any mistakes are his and not mine)
JRW
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.
Mr Johnson, the list of names of members and their qualifications should have been part of this article presenting the "finalists." Not everyone saw your list in the other article. It needs to be publicized by AA dot com.
Rod Johnson
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 2 a.m.
You asked this question here: http://annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-says-goodbye-to-controversial-percent-for-art/ I gave you detailed answer with names, contact info, even a Facebook page and Twitter feed. So why do you continue to try to paint this as a conspiracy conducted in secret? I respect disagreement with the committees choices and even a generalized dislike of the public art idea, but you're really crossing the line with this secret committee idea.
jcj
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.
How many ways can you say ugly? Putrid atrocious hideous unsightly dreadful awful repulsive wretched foul
SonnyDog09
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:19 a.m.
craptastic
DJBudSonic
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
Wow these are pretty terrible. Having just returned from Chicago, where I did a few public art tours, and had a nice conversation with the folks at the Chicago Public Art Program, might I advise our public art commission to reject these offerings if they do not satisfy the criteria, by any measure. Don't settle for crappy art, especially site-specific crappy art, because there is no way to move it or hide it if it is built in. Some of the art done in the Chicago 1% program is site specific, like mosaic walls and the like, but much more, especially if it is 3D, can be relocated, loaned, shared, etc. In addition, under other programs, they have outreach whereby the community and businesses work together with the city to fund and choose the art... and by being selective, they have brought some pretty great art to the city over the years. Ann Arbor is just starting up this program, and frankly, so far it has been a bit of a flop. We should be in no hurry to add the the list of public art failures, don't be afraid to send these folks 'back to the drawing board' - or to reopen the RFP, with a longer time limit, to give local or at least regional artists a chance to compete. We couldn't do much worse... I mean, these are almost a joke, and I am pretty open-minded when it comes to modern and conceptual art. These submissions barely fit the site, and for $360K? Please, we deserve better. P.S. - Go to the City of Chicago website and search for the Public Art Program - they do a percent-for-art, but with an important difference (LOCAL!) as taken from their site: "In 1978, the Chicago City Council unanimously approved the Percent for Art Ordinance, which stipulates that a 1.33% of the cost of constructing or renovating municipal buildings and public spaces be devoted to original artwork on the premises; it also stipulates that at least half of the commissions be awarded to Chicago area artists to provide opportunities to the local arts community."
jcj
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 8:57 p.m.
How do you spell gaudy?
DJBudSonic
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:13 p.m.
Yes! Gaudy might fit the "Lady Ann" sculpture closest, but even then I would agree that is not the right word to describe these. None of these even come close to the level of his work.
Elaine F. Owsley
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
Actually, the Gaudy designed cathedral in Barcelona is breathtaking. Not a word I would use with any of these. Come trash blowing days all the litter will be caught up in several of these "art" projects.
jackdh
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
What a waste of taxpayer money
st.julian
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 8:43 p.m.
It great to have the public art program redacted, after this fiasco along with that of the public safety and city hall monstrosities. I assume the selection panel believes that no artist in Michigan has sufficient talent to do better then this garbage. The panel should review its elitist biases and best yet resign from public service. Their intellectual and artistic capacities remind me of the emperor with no clothes.
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:57 a.m.
Better contact Angie's list and add that list of people to the "do not hire they are blind" group.
DJBudSonic
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:17 a.m.
GAA! he URL truncated here are the members: AAPAC Commissioners Connie Brown, Designer Marsha Chamberlin, Arts Professional Nicholas Zagar, Realtor John Kotarski, Educator Bob Miller, Realtor & Builder (Chair) Ashlee Arder, ArtServe Michigan Programs Coordinator Malverne Winborne, Educator (Vice Chair)
DJBudSonic
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:16 a.m.
Search it the list is here, appointed by the mayor, natch: http://www.a2gov.org/GOVERNMENT/PUBLICSERVICES/PUBLICART/Pages/PublicArtCommission.aspx
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:27 p.m.
I'm still waiting for a list of the members of the public art commission. Who is making these decisions?
tommy_t
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 8:41 p.m.
Why don't you just take that girder out front of city hall and pound it in under the bridge as added support. Kills 2 birds with an old budget.
DJBudSonic
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.
Where is the entry titled 'None of the Above Fix the Roads Please"?
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:27 p.m.
Excellent!
AA Neighbor
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 8:21 p.m.
I'd like to see us clean up Main Street and State Street before wasting $360k on this project. A few brooms, rakes, and plantings would probably do the job. Any one ever taken a good look at the unattractive grounds nearby of Pioneer H.S.? What does that say to students and teachers about how much we value them compared with "public" art? Just who is this mysterious "public" our City Council is always wanting to impress. Not us tax-paying locals that's for sure!
Tano
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 7:44 p.m.
Arbor Winds seems very attractive. I like it. The others, not at all.
amlive
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.
So now we have the limited proposals from the coasts (and Atlanta) that the city is entertaining. Why doesn't Ann Arbor.com put out an offer to publish ideas from local artists directly for public review? With the options shown here, if any local artists were able to propose something better it seems it wouldn't be too difficult to rally some community support to pressure the city to consider other ideas.
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:58 a.m.
If it's a secret, it's because they are in hiding.....
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
WHO is on this public art commission committee? Who made the choices to select these 4 from the those submitted? Why is it a secret?
Zola
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
WOW... is it possible for this town to get anything even remotely resembling a work of PUBLIC ART? Other than the photo copies of masterpiece paintings (courtesy of the DIA) plastered around town to remind us of what a real work of art looks like, our mayor and his committee have yet to bring forward any competent examples of Public Art! The Medici, and the Florence city fathers, for example, did not just "STICK" sculptures in front of their city works or buildings to DISGUISE a bad design. If that is necessary, as it in this case, it is because the bridge design itself is wanting... lacking interest and "umph"!! The ideas to disguise the failure of the bridge's design will always look like an amateur city's attempt to yock it up and draw the viewer's eye away from the core failure of the underlying design. This Mayor and his cronies have done this bait-and-switch before, i.e. the ugly "water thing" outside of city hall!. If you recall, "IT" was put in place to justify robbing the Art Fund of monies to solve the building's surface water, run off problem. Again, the true failure of these proposals lies not just in the proposing artists' weak ideas, but in the leadership of those who judged them good enough for the people to accept. The bridge, which should have been designed as a "gateway" to and from south campus and the city, will from this point forward, be just a poorly designed bridge with disfiguring growths mimicking Public Art!
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
We still don't know who is on this so-called public art commission. WHO is making these decisions and why is it a secret?
AA Neighbor
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
Totally agree- let's call it pseudo-intellectual Babbittry.
amlive
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
This is really what we have to choose from? "Dot Matrix" isn't bad, but the others I'm not a fan of for this location. They may have their places, but not there at the bridge. The people who choose this should require the artists also submit renderings of how they would look in winter.
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 4 a.m.
They don't have any qualifications. That's the secret.
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:30 p.m.
We need to know who is on the committee making these decisions. Why is it a secret? Who are they and what are their qualifications?
NotABleedingHeartLiberal
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 7:05 p.m.
360K??????????????? OK...I'll just put this out there. For half of that I will BEDAZZLE the whole stupid bridge. That is about as creative as these options and Half price!!!
mpope
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 11:44 p.m.
i'll do it for a quarter of the price.
nickcarraweigh
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:58 p.m.
This place is ugly beyond hope of redemption, but you could reduce upkeep by installing art that very closely resembles graffiti.
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:31 p.m.
Sounds like a good idea!
John
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:51 p.m.
I see a potential liability for the city with #1 when a rampaging mob inevitably tears it down in anger. Anyone underneath when that thing topples Saddam-style is going to be shredded by all that cutlery.
Dirty Mouth
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:47 p.m.
I dig Massachusetts-based artist Catherine Widgery proposal entitled "Arbor Winds" It dovetails nicely with all the hot air being expelled by the Cities poorly timed initiative to add decorations to our infrastructure. How about Art for our school that are about to be redistricted?
Coyotewoman
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:47 p.m.
Why do we have to go outside Michigan when we have SO many talented Artists in Ann Arbor and other parts of Michigan. Our economy need a boost. What is the deal. I'm sure many artists and other residents of the surrounding area feel the same way.
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 4:01 a.m.
So you're saying these are artists.....
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : midnight
They need to submit their proposals just like everyone else. You see those sketches and concepts they presented? That is hard work. If an artist can't be bothered to submit a proposal then they shouldn't be considered.
Barzoom
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:38 p.m.
How about not doing anything and spending the money where it would do some good for the city.
mady
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
'zoom, that makes too much sense.....
Grimey
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
$360K?? SMH. Why not just spray paint "SAES" all over it?
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:32 p.m.
Hahahahaha Not to worry. Whatever piece is finally selected will be covered with black spray paint soon enough.
NotABleedingHeartLiberal
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:20 p.m.
These are all hideous! How about finding a few local artists...the unknown ones and making it a contest. Perhaps you will get some fresh ideas and it wont cost an arm and a leg.
Robert Hughes
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
You wouldn't like my ideas any better, I can guarantee it.
aes
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:19 p.m.
Yes, art is controversial and people's opinions on what constitutes "good art" can differ radically; however, in the case of this very public art on the Stadium Bridge, I think that it is best to stay away from extremes (e.g., fancy light poles that signify something or other that few people can understand, or tube-like protuberances that look like unfinished roadwork. I would advice something more traditional that is very pleasing to the eye, simple but very colorful and uplifting.
David Cahill
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:18 p.m.
Cheerleader sculptures? I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
NotABleedingHeartLiberal
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
I think cry is more appropriate
BHarding
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:15 p.m.
I have a serious, not meant to be snarky, question: Can we just walk away right now from the whole idea of art attached to that bridge?
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:32 p.m.
We can only hope.
An Arborigine
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
That's it? Seriously? No applicants qualify, round two!
mpope
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.
"a multi-modal meditation on repurposed infrastructure that celebrates and elevates the symbolic status of the Botts' dot by positioning it as an integral element of a large-scale public artwork," words never uttered: 'celebrate the Botts dot??? O heavens, YES!!!' why? because everyone is laughing so hard we can't speak.
mady
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.
that green-and-yellow thing looks a bit like my toilet brush......
NotABleedingHeartLiberal
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
hahahahahahahahahahahahaha
tully
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:47 p.m.
Really? These are the choices? Heaven help the committee members who make the final choice. These will only be an additional distraction. The bridge carries thousands of teen drivers as they head to Pioneer. Add the new ginormous billboard going up at the stadium to the mix. Start counting the fender benders.
1bit
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:42 p.m.
Option 3 ('Arbor Winds') wins by at least a mile. Options 1 and 2 are the brainchilds of folks who don't live with snow/ice for 4-6 months per year. Option 1 in particular, though striking, would be an absolute menace once snow or ice builds up on it. Option 4 is a great idea if you think taking the planters from South U and moving them here makes sense. The concept is okay but is much better executed in Option 3.
Nicholas Urfe
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:23 p.m.
First, the bad. The cheerleader thing, with the highlights on the lamposts is just... incredibly stupid. Yes, let's draw attention to lamposts. Not. And I cannot comprehend the debaucherous vandalism of those cheerleaders. Who will be the first to mount the sculpture for a photo? Who will be the first to be hospitalized while trying to do so? On second thought, that sculpture could be loads of fun! The Dot Matrix.. Does nothing for me. Tubes in the ground. Completely uninspiring. The aluminum will likely corrode badly due to road salt. Arbor Winds.. Kinda meh. If you want trees, have real trees. It's not awful. But it will be after the vandals carve it up. Lady Ann is interesting and has potential. It could be very good. The presentation would depend a lot on the materials and colors. Sort of a make or break. Cleaning it, and the potential for bird nests, could be challenges. A major problem with this piece, and many of the pieces, is the Northern location means they will not receive much light. They will sit in shadow. I believe the poor lighting and shadows may make this piece a failure, even if it is otherwise very good. Also, the northern location does not sit on the "welcoming" side of the overpass that you would see as you enter the city (hello?). So only one of these has any merit, at all. I suggest they continue to RFP process to get more worthwhile proposals.
Robert Hughes
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
Lady Ann is very tall, and according to the artist's presentation will be visible from the hill south of the bridge; though not in it's entirety.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
Btw, you make a good point about the snow/ice hazzard if it is possitioned above a road or walkway.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
When I began writing, Lady Ann was the good. But then I realized this was all on the North side of the bridge, and the poor shadowy lighting would greatly diminish the impact of even that piece. The whole north side thing needs a re-think.
TryingToBeObjective
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 4:15 a.m.
You said "first, the bad." What was the good? Pretty thorough assessment, though. I do think Lady Ann is a snow hazard waiting to happen.
arborani
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.
Oh. My. God.
Linda Peck
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:16 p.m.
Once again, I am seeing many poky and sharp things and things that stick out. Not much in the way of graceful lines here. My apologies if I offend the artists and supporters. It is a matter of personal preference. If you look at the City Hall Fountain and the Justice Building light ornament, they are both poky or sticking out, also. There seems to be a particular taste that is being echoed.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:12 p.m.
It seems to me this is another good example of how difficult it can be to think about adding public art after a project is already finished, instead of planning to make artistic features part of the project from the get-go and incorporating that into the design, which is how the city's new public art program is expected to work in the years ahead. I used live in Tucson where there are a number of overpasses and abutments and retaining walls that feature some really colorful and visually interesting artistic elements that mesh seamlessly with the infrastructure, and it's always a delight to drive past them or under them and to see the artwork off in the distance when you're approaching. These are working proposals, so hopefully they're able to come up with a final product the community can get behind and really enjoy. For those of you saying you're not impressed with what you see here, what would impress you?
mady
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 7:10 p.m.
What would impress me? FIX THE BLEEPING ROADS.
katznjammer
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.
I agree with you. You don't add art after the fact, it needs to be implemented as part of the whole design process. "Arbor Winds" is the best of the lot, but I just don't understand why we aren't considering Michigan artists!
BPinAA
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
Of course I will be voted down, but I like Arbor Winds. I do think it would be better in a place that's accessed more by pedestrians, though.
Urban Sombrero
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 11:27 p.m.
Dayton has stuff on the sides of their freeways like you're describing. Planes carved into the walls. It's really cool. I always look forward to seeing them when we travel down to Tennessee to pick up my step-kids.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:57 p.m.
@Dave — Well, they say controversy is part of the nature of art and creativity. @gladys — I'll second your call for fixing some more of our streets. My street looks like it was bombed some years ago and forgotten.
gladys
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 7:29 p.m.
What would impress me? How about fixing our crappy streets!
Kai Petainen
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:44 p.m.
"It seems to me this is another good example of how difficult it can be to think about adding public art after a project is already finished, instead of planning to make artistic features part of the project from the get-go and incorporating that into the design, which is how the city's new public art program is expected to work in the years ahead. " well said Ryan, I agree.
David Cahill
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:23 p.m.
Statues of nude cheerleaders? 8-)
Brad
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
What would impress me? Council regaining their sanity and putting that $360K toward something actually useful for the city. I won't be holding my breath.
Sam S Smith
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
Let's start with "art" should not be for viewing when driving a car.
Sam S Smith
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5 p.m.
Wha what? Aside the concept of "art," the cost of maintaining and cleaning any of these would be prohibitive! This is all beyond embarrassing and wasteful! Instead of being an attractive city, Ann Arbor will be more of a laughing stock, a city of pity!
ChrisW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:43 p.m.
Unimpressed. Arbor Winds is the best of the bunch.
PersonX
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
I am all for public art, so please find some proposals that fit that description. These are really pathetic ....
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.
The public has a right to know who is on the public art commission making these decisions. Where is the list of names and qualifications?
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
Hahaha What's missing are the drawings for each proposal showing what they look like after being defaced with graffiti. I'm sure the vandals are looking at these proposals and already planning their balck spray paint attacks! Spend the "public art" money on cameras to deter vandalism on the new bridge, and spend some of the money on resurfacing the new bridge with materials that don't allow spray paint to adhere. Much better use of tax dollars than these inane proposals. All of them would be destroyed by vandals in short order.
a2grateful
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
Maybe mayor, council and art commission, should don their hip red berets and black rim glasses while evaluating these proposals, commemorating Charlie the Tuna. Like Charlie, posing and believing that they are hip and cultured does not constitute good taste. "Sorry, Charlie. We don't want tuna with "good taste." We want tuna that tastes good." Sorry, city government. We don't want more wasteful, folly-art fake trees in tree town. We want artful, diligent, passionate public safety, city service, and infrastructure. Leave the "alleged" art off the bridge. Instead, fix the roads that lead to it.
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
Bravo! Fix the roads!
dancinginmysoul
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:26 p.m.
Shameful. Completely and totally shameful. And embarrassing.
Mike D.
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:23 p.m.
As a strong supporter of our public art program, I am really disappointed in these. They are lacking in taste and creativity. Something must be very wrong with the RFP or selection process if these are the finalists. Most of them are laughably terrible. The least offensive of the lot, Arbor Winds, is derivative and forgettable.
DJBudSonic
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 3:03 p.m.
There is indeed a problem with the selection process. The RFP was created by a group of people picked as much for who they know as what they know. They set a deadline for entries that was relatively short for a project of this scope, the RFP was not promoted heavily, and there was no latitude given to favor local artists. I agree with your assessment of Arbor Winds, a few hours with Photoshop filters is not enough to earn this a winning bid. If I had faith in the committee selecting this project, I would place less emphasis on these concept drawings. After all, Maya Lin's winning rendering for the now-iconic Vietnam Veterans Memorial was little more than a pastel scribble, a black V set in a green field. There was trust placed in that selection committee, and the results speak for themselves. But there is no reason to place such trust in our selection committee, it has not been earned in the least by the previous projects. I too support a well-run and reasonably financed public art program, but we don't have one.
SonnyDog09
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
Get your popcorn ready. This should be fun.
RUKiddingMe
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
Good luck with the bird nests and bird poop on that 1st one. Everyone's talking to their friends and family about how much money has been and is being spent on this stuff, right? People at my job who live in A2 didn't know about the percent for art program until I told them about it. Blind trust, or apathy, or whatever. It's being abused.
thinker
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 9:57 p.m.
And what happens with snow and ice--maybe an Atlanta artist doesn't realize?
Basic Bob
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:36 p.m.
It looks attractive, but with the level of maintenance we have learned to expect, it will soon be raining dirty daggers down on unsuspecting pedestrians.
Jeff Gaynor
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4 p.m.
This comment section will surely be fun to follow! Get your poison pens out, fellow citizens!!
PattyinYpsi
Mon, Jun 10, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
My computer network was down this morning, and I knew that by the time I was back online, there would be a very long list of comments! Nothing gets the locals riled more than public art!
sjs
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
Well.......What's YOUR favorite? Inquiring minds want to know!