To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Thru: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Maia Yates, Special Project Analyst and Staff Liaison to the Public Art Commission
Title
Discussion/Direction: Art Acquisition Agreement with DKLA Design for the Big Drive Sculpture Series
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
Staff are seeking Town Council direction regarding a proposed art acquisition and installation agreement with DKLA Design, LLC, for the construction and installation of three large-scale sculptures collectively known as Big Drive. These sculptures-a bull, a cow and a calf-are proposed to be installed at Rock Park Open Space north of the parking lot in the grassy area between the scrub oak and sidewalk. This project is envisioned as a signature component of Castle Rock’s Sesquisemiquincentennial celebration in 2026, paying tribute to the Town’s deep-rooted history in ranching, agriculture and western heritage.
The sculptures will be constructed of corten and galvanized steel, with natural oxidation finishes that reflect the rugged character of the land and the tools of ranching life. Rock Park, the ceremonial starting point of Castle Rock’s beloved annual Cattle Drive, is a fitting location for this tribute. By situating the artwork at the gateway of the community’s premier western heritage event, the installation will embody Castle Rock’s role in shaping and celebrating Colorado’s story, while creating a permanent cultural landmark that honors the past and inspires the future.
The contract with DKLA Design will be for $200,000, with a 5% Town-managed contingency of $10,000, for a total project authorization of $210,000. Funding will come from the Public Art Fund and work will commence following Council approval of the project, with anticipated completion and installation in summer 2026, timed to coincide with Castle Rock’s Sesquisemiquincentennial activities and the Town’s annual Western Heritage Welcome Week. In addition, the Castle Rock Arts and Culture Foundation intends to help fundraise for this project, with a goal of raising up to $100,000 or more-approximately half of the total project cost-to offset expenses and encourage broader community investment and engagement in the artwork.
The Big Drive sculpture series represents not only an investment in public art, but also an investment in Castle Rock’s identity, heritage and sense of place. This landmark project will ensure that the Town’s celebration of America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries resonates with local history and honors the ranching traditions that shaped our community, state and country.
Discussion
The Town of Castle Rock has long recognized public art as a valuable tool for beautification, placemaking and community pride. Through its Public Art Plan, the Town envisions celebrating Castle Rock’s unique identity and preserving its small-town character as the community continues to grow. The Public Art Commission, composed of seven volunteers appointed by Town Council, helps to guide this effort, ensuring that new art installations reflect both resident values and the Town’s heritage.
In 2024, the Public Art Commission issued a Call for Art to welcome residents and visitors at Castle Rock’s northern entrance near the intersection of Wolfensberger Road and Interstate 25. The call specifically sought a landmark artwork that would greet travelers arriving in the community’s downtown and reflect Castle Rock’s identity. Nearly 50 submissions were received from artists across the country. Following a rigorous review process, the Commission unanimously selected the proposal from Don Kennell and Lisa Adler of DKLA Design, titled Big Drive, as the finalist. Their design captured the essence of Castle Rock’s ranching and agricultural history while offering a bold visual presence. After further deliberation, however, the Commission determined that Rock Park offered a more meaningful opportunity for installation. Relocating the project to Rock Park allows the sculptures to become a central feature of Castle Rock’s Sesquisemiquincentennial celebration in 2026, aligning public art investment with the Town’s dual commemoration of America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries.
The Big Drive series will feature a bull, a cow and a calf ranging in size from approximately 11 feet tall by 20 feet wide for the larger figures to 10 feet tall by 11 feet wide for the calf. Constructed of corten steel and galvanized sheet metal over a structural steel tubing mainframe with counter-grid bracing and engineered footings, the sculptures are designed for long-term durability and low maintenance. Their natural oxidation will produce rich browns, reds, silvers, and grays that shift with the light and seasons, symbolizing the tools and materials of Castle Rock’s agricultural heritage while creating a dramatic but natural, site-specific installation.
DKLA Design, led by artists Don Kennell and Lisa Adler, is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For nearly 30 years, Kennell and Adler have collaborated on monumental public art projects across the country and have extensive experience completing successful public and private art projects. Their work often integrates recycled materials, corten and galvanized steel, and interactive elements, activating public spaces while reflecting themes of nature, community and heritage. Their portfolio includes commissions for municipalities, zoos, universities, airports, and festivals, including “Rocky Mountain Hummer” for the City of Golden, Colorado; “Sedona Roadrunner” in Arizona; “Traverse” for Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California; and “Navigator” at the Norfolk International Airport in Virginia. Their work has also been featured at high-profile cultural events including the Coachella Music Festival.
Once commissioned, artists Don Kennell and Lisa Adler will commence production of the Big Drive series, coordinating fabrication, engineering, and site preparation to ensure successful installation at Rock Park. Their work will culminate in the summer of 2026, positioning the sculptures as a centerpiece of Castle Rock’s Sesquisemiquincentennial celebrations and a lasting tribute to the Town’s heritage, identity and community spirit.
Notification and Outreach Efforts
The Public Art Commission has consistently prioritized community input and engagement in its decision-making process. In 2020, the Public Art Commission conducted a comprehensive online community questionnaire to better understand local perspectives on public art. Nearly 300 residents participated, with results showing overwhelming support:
• 91% of respondents agreed that public art adds value to communities
• 86% highlighted art’s role in beautification and place-making
Respondents also identified Castle Rock’s small-town character and heritage as values they wanted art to reinforce. This questionnaire revealed a strong desire for outdoor public art and installations that reflect Castle Rock’s identity and history. These findings continue to guide Commission priorities, including the recommendation of Big Drive.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
The Public Art Commission has deliberated extensively on this project, unanimously endorsing DKLA Design’s proposal for the Big Drive sculpture series. The Commission noted its strong alignment with community heritage, its cultural significance and its ability to enhance a beloved community gathering space.
Budget Impact
The Big Drive sculpture series will carry a total contract amount of $200,000, with a 5% Town-managed contingency of $10,000, for a total authorization of $210,000. Funding will come from the Public Art Fund, Account Code 124-5001-450.70-60. The budget includes costs for fabrication, structural steel, engineering, and concrete footings to ensure long-term durability, as well as expenses for installation, project management, shipping, and equipment rental. Materials such as steel panels, welding supplies, and finishing elements are accounted for, along with insurance, travel, and documentation. Together, these costs reflect the full scope of designing, constructing, transporting, and installing the sculptures. In addition, the Castle Rock Arts and Culture Foundation has set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to help offset project costs, with the intent of covering approximately half of the total budget while fostering community engagement and support for public art.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommend Town Council review and approve the proposed sculpture series the Big Drive as appropriate and authorize staff to proceed in executing project details.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the proposed sculpture series titled Big Drive and authorize staff to proceed in executing project details.”
Alternate Motions
“I move to approve the project with the following conditions:” (list conditions)
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on [date], at [time].”
Attachments
Attachment A - Artist Proposal