To: Members of the Public Art Commission
From: Maia Aman, Town Liaison
Title
Matt Babcock Presentation for the Philip S. Miller Park Art Project Call for Entries
Body
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Executive Summary
The Public Art Commission identifies priorities and goals concerning the acquisition of art for public buildings and parks within Castle Rock. In October, 2017, Castle Rock Town Council adopted the Castle Rock Public Art Commission Public Art Plan. This plan functions as a guide for public art initiatives initiated through the Commission.
A key goal identified in the plan is to commission a new public art project at Philip S. Miller Park to deepen visitor experience. Recommended by the Parks and Recreation Department as a fitting location for high-quality, permanent artwork, Philip S. Miller Park represents an opportunity to commission unique, site-specific artwork that reflects Castle Rock’s charm, people and beauty.
Town staff sent out a call for entries to solicit proposals from artists for the project in June 2018. Five artists submitted proposals. At the September Commission meeting, Commissioners along with a Selection Committee narrowed down the proposals to two semi-finalists.
Semi-finalists will now present their proposals in-person at Public Art Commission meetings. Matt Babcock will present to Commissioners and the Selection Committee on October 11, 2018; Mary Williams and John King will present on November 8, 2018.
Once a finalist is selected, staff will seek Town Council’s final approval and solidify contract details to initiate next steps.
History of Past Discussions
In September, Commissioners posed several questions/concerns that they would ideally like to have Matt Babcock address in person, including:
• Whether or not it is possible to produce sculptural shapes with rounded edges, as opposed to squared edges, to ensure user/interaction safety
• Several Commissioners suggested placing rabbits or deer or another native animal on boulders for the model/refined proposal instead of coyotes due to coyotes’ public image
• Commissioners would like additional detail on the proposed piece’s life-cycle management and maintenance procedures
• Commissioners requested additional detail on color options
• Commissioners asked for lighting options/recommendations and the projected cost of lighting