Green Fair provides opportunity to chime in on public art proposals for Stadium bridges
Do you have an opinion to share about the four public art proposals for the new Stadium bridges in Ann Arbor? If so, Bob Miller wants to hear it.
Miller, chairman of the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission, plans to have a table set up from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Mayor's Green Fair on Main Street near William Street.
These proposals are under consideration for a $360,000 public art installation at the site of the new Stadium bridges in Ann Arbor.
City of Ann Arbor
"AAPAC is currently working on scheduling further public engagements for the Stadium bridge project to inform the public of the working proposals and to encourage constructive feedback and dialogue," he said. "The task force will be meeting in mid to late July to finalize the selection process."
The recently unveiled proposals, which came from four national artists who were selected as finalists for the project, received a lackluster response from AnnArbor.com commenters.
Atlanta artist Volkan Alkanoglu proposes a sculpture titled "Lady Ann," San Francisco artist Matt Passmore of Rebar Group proposes a concept titled "Dot Matrix," Massachusetts artist Catherine Widgery proposes a concept titled "Arbor Winds" and Washington-based artist Sheila Klein presented a series of ideas that range from statues of cheerleaders to dots on light poles.
Of 449 people who participated in a recent AnnArbor.com poll, 65.26 percent said they like "Arbor Winds" the best, 15.37 percent voted for "Dot Matrix," 13 percent said they liked Klein's ideas, and 6.46 percent preferred the "Lady Ann" sculpture. Others said they liked none of them.
Miller said he wants to make it clear that AAPAC and the project task force are doing everything they can to engage the public in every step of the process until the final installation of the work that is chosen. He said the project has been in the works since 2011.
"We have open public meetings on a regular basis and I can't tell you how often there is no one there from the community," Miller said, hoping some people will show up at his table on Friday.
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
MRunner73
Sat, Jun 15, 2013 : 10:17 p.m.
What's up with this city on more public art displays that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars? Between more art, road diets, roundabouts, additional cross walks, bike paths and half a dozen more high rise buildings, I am always befuddled.
Jill DeYoe
Sat, Jun 15, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
"Ann Arbor: Gateway to Kalamazoo"
Dirty Mouth
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
I just don't get it. I read one article about the new AAPS budget and the severe reductions and then I'm asked for my opinion on tax-payer funding of non-essential spending totaling nearly 1.5 million dollars on fluff art projects? I just don't understand this city anymore? I feel like were getting screwed.
Lolly
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 7:46 p.m.
Ann Arbor Art Commission: Don't lose heart. There are many of us out here, mostly silent, that appreciate your work. Like most who voted, I prefer "Arbor Winds" and think it will enhance an important entrance to the city. I hope it is not all on the north side, though.
JRW
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
Ryan J. Stanton writes: 3:48 PM on 6/10/2013 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. Now I'm really confused. Who made the decision on these 4 proposals? The group listed above or the commission listed below? Or all of them? Why is a realtor, Bob Miller, running this show? 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) If a Public Art Commission is to continue as part of the city bureaucracy, then they should be elected like city council members. Who picked the "Selection Panel" listed above by Ryan Stanton?
arborani
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 7:44 p.m.
I've asked this before, but *what* exactly is an "Arts Professional" - an artist, a critic, a dealer, a gallery owner - or???
Linda Peck
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 7:03 p.m.
JRW, thank you for this information. It is very interesting.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
I'm not sure if the taxpayers are aware of what the current plan for commuter rail is supposed to cost, but per the draft of the 2040 WATS Long Range Transportation Plan, the costs will be: 2015, a one-time capital cost proposed to be paid for by AATA or the County of "13,700,000 [for the] county share of commuter rail and connecting bus service from Howell to Ann Arbor and Detroit to Ann Arbor." "2016-2020 $70,000,000 operating capital for commuter rail [to fund annual losses] 2021-2025 $72,000,000 operating capital for commuter rail [to fund annual losses] 2026-2030 $75,000,000 operating capital for commuter rail [to fund annual losses] 2031-2035 $78,000,000 operating capital for commuter rail [to fund annual losses] 2036-2040 $xx,000,000 [the amount was not included in the draft report] operating capital for commuter rail [to fund annual losses]" In addition, the draft report lists in 2015 a $30,000,000 capital investment for the Transit Connector project from Domino's Farms to NCRC to Central Campus and finally Briarwood Mall and a total of $405,000,000 for "Signature Transit" along the Washtenaw Avenue corridor and Plymouth Road and State Street corridors between 2021-2040.
RUKiddingMe
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 4:23 p.m.
THAT is a lot of freaking cabbage. I think you need to include a total of that number and the surce in every single future post having to do w/ transit, Mr. Ranzini, and thanks for looking into it.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
@Veracity: The document is at: www.miwats.org/WATS/leftside/prgpln/LRP/2040/2040.html
Veracity
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 3:02 p.m.
Outrageous! How can expenditures of only ten percent of what is listed be justified? Can you provide a link to the source of your data?
golfer
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
I like the one under the bridge. the reason I like it is that It is the least of the four that we can hide. what a waste of money. the art commission last big fling. try driving down some of the streets and then go look at the great art project. glad the commission is gone.
RUKiddingMe
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
Golfer, it is critical that you understand the commission is NOT gone. Quite the opposite, in fact: 1) council recently voted to NOT return almost a MILLION dollars to its buckets of origin, to instead use it to continue to ADMINISTER the public art program and/or staff into the future. 2) The contract for the (administrator? I forget his technical position title) was EXTENDED 3) the commission has been talking about ADDING to their staff. They spoke of wanting to include students (which I hope means Ann Arbor schools students, NOT U of M students), but did not specify whether they would be paid or not. Given the history of this town and this council, I would guess they will be paid.
JRW
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
Is the commission gone? It's still on the city website.
golfer
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
sorry not least but "BEST"
Veracity
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.
Since the city, the AATA and the DDA will be spending $2,500 each to bring the railroad car to Ann Arbor, as many citizens as possible should visit the display. This railroad car is typical of what would be on the WALLY if it ever is completed. Of course all Ann Arbor citizens should realize that maintenance and operation of the WALLY will require a local subsidy of $2.2 million or more likely in the form of another millage. The railroad car to be on exhibit will purportedly display a state-of-the-art lift to assist disabled users getting on and off the train. However, one local disabled citizen makes this observation: "I hope there is no intention to use similar lifts in the actual project itself otherwise it reflects even more poorly on WALLY. Lift access becomes a lengthy wait when multiple persons require use of the same lift as I've experienced boarding historic rail in Alaska from street level. Not to mention cost of purchase, maintenance, and operation of the lift. A little strategic planning and design could instead provide zero entry access in a barrier free manner." When given the opportunity, like when the mayor wants Ann Arbor tax payers to approve a millage, voters should reject subsidizing the WALLY. Also Ann Arbor citizens should contact their City Council representative and insist that WALLY project be shelved and certainly not provided with local tax dollars.
Brad
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
If there is something that I am less interested in than subsidizing Livingston County I sure can't think of it right now.
DJBudSonic
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.
Might I suggest that they hold an open public meeting NOT during regular working hours?
mady
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
Lose the big Toilet Brush in the upper-right hand corner!!
mady
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
arborani, you're welcome. this thing is symbolic of more $$$ down the toilet......
arborani
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
Thanks a lot - now I will never see it as anything else.
a2grateful
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
The mayor's "green fair?" It's all about taxpayer cash (green) flushed down the (h)urinal. Folly art. Folly wally. Much "green" is wasted on folly, while basic services continue decline, and user fees (more taxes) increase. It's really not green (wasted resources never are). It's really about fares, not fairs. Let's just rename the event the mayor's self-interest greed fare.
matlangphil
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 12:56 p.m.
why can't they have this in a park on a Sunday? Better setting, more people could attend
SonnyDog09
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
Because no one who attends a "Green Fair" will be against wasting tax dollars on this stuff. Then they can say that they have "public support."
Brad
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
It would have to be a park with choo-choo tracks since we're getting a special visit from the little train that won't go away.
Ryan J. Stanton
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 1:42 p.m.
I think you're underestimating how many people there will be down at the green fair later. It was pretty hopping last year.
motorcycleminer
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
Like everything else in Oz the big talking head and his minions will get what they want by hook or by crook ..the taxpaying munchkins be damned...
Hugh Giariola
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
#3 Looks like the Walmart symbol. Am I right? Waste of money, especially since NO local or even Michigan artists are being considered.
expioneer
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 11:20 a.m.
Shouldn't people be paying attention to what is on the road aheadmof them rather than staring at the roadside?
Veracity
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 2 p.m.
Yes! Potential distractions which increases the risk of accidents is an important consideration that the mayor and members of the Public Art Commission have ignored.
RUKiddingMe
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 11:11 a.m.
This Mayor's Green Fair seems like just an advertising venue for his favorite expensive unnecessary projects. Is this just a PR machine for public art and the new train station? Quite a push that's been going on about that lately. So does A2 tax money go towards paying for this "mayor's" fair? Because if so, I find that to be a misuse of funds. If the train station realy was necessary, warranted, or even a good idea, I really don't think they'd need so much campaigning for it. It makes me angry and also a little nervous how much effort and money they continue to put into the push for it. I mean, who the heck's gaining from this? Is someone holding members of the mayor's family hostage or something?
RUKiddingMe
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 11:07 a.m.
I think it's very important to include the money being spent on this at that table. I believe a lot of people have NO idea how much of their money is spent on this, and this is a good opportunity to let them know IF you're being HONEST about it. I'd like the $360,000 price tag affixed to each picture; this is a good chance to get a feel for the public's level of interest IF YOU'RE BEING HONEST. I wonder, if the money is NOT made clear, if anyone has the time to sit or stand at that table and just calmly state to interested parties, just to make sure they know, that their choice costs $360,000. Not being antagonistic or sarcastic, just a quick, calm, "just to make sure you're aware, the cost of this project is $360,000 in tax money."
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 10:44 a.m.
I propose the creation in Ann Arbor of a rotating public art gallery displaying the work of local artists. The artists would be selected via juried competitions open to all with the winners getting a four month show, so three a year. The art would include sculpture outdoors & other arts indoor. Electronic online bidding would occur for the duration of each show for each piece, with payment guaranteed via credit card, so the rotating public art gallery would need a website. The website, quickly accessible via a QR Code 2-D barcode next to each piece of art, would have links to artists & price information with some type of smart phone option that would make it easier for people to shop & purchase work or learn more about the artist. So the website would need an mobile phone app developed. There are many different options for locations for the rotating art gallery. It just depends on the type of art work & how to best display the work. As to locations, City Hall downtown might be a good spot for an indoor art gallery & the pocket park at Liberty Park on Liberty St. & the top of the Garage Mahal. In addition private businesses could get involved with locations like bank lobbies, vacant store fronts & downtown coffee stores. Also local parks could also be involved as sites to display art. We could organize citizens to lobby the city via an online petition that people could sign up to & pledge funds to via a www.kickstarter.com fundraising (the money isn't released unless the total minimum required is raised.). In addition to my day job at the bank, I actually am president & chairman of a IRS approved 501c3 non-profit, & it could form a new fund, to raise the money and administer the program. A committee to make this happen has already formed & if you are interested in getting involved or have some skills to offer the group that could help make it happen, please contact me at ranzini@university-bank.com.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 8:05 p.m.
@djm12652: Thanks for your kind comment! I think the point is that a better project than what we've already wasted over $1 million of taxpayer funds on, could be carried out in the private non-profit sector without ANY tax payer funds. When Michigan Theatre needed to be saved from the wrecking ball, Mayor Belcher kicked in $5,000 of city money to kick start the effort, and raised the rest from the private sector, including the money I chipped in from our bank.
djm12652
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 5:45 p.m.
Kind Sir...your logical remark cannot be accepted in this town! But you are spot on!
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 10:39 a.m.
Do I have an opinion on the proposals? They are awful and a gross waste of $360,000 of taxpayer funds! But so are the $750,000 Dreiseitl Huirinal and the $150,000 Radius which decorate our $50 million Rog Mahal that we didn't need either.
arborani
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
Couldn't agree more.