HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-2006 Public Art Advisory Committee
Agenda
Public Art Advisory Committee
Thursday, August 3, 2006
3:30PM
Lobby Conference Room
A. Call to order
B. Public discussion of any item not on the agenda
C. Consideration of the minutes of the July 6, 2006 meeting
D. Consideration of a call for artists for the Grand Avenue
Roundabout project.
E. Discussion of request by artist to acquire Love is Strange.
F. Discussion of dedications for Just for Kicks, Birds in Flight, and
the Wetherby shelter.
G. Report on America for the Arts pre-conference--Klingaman
H. Committee time/updates
I. Adjournment
MINUTES
IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, JULY 6,2006,3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
PRELIMINARY
Members Present:
Charles Felling, Rick Fosse, Emily Martin, Mark Seabold, DeLayne Williamson
Members Absent:
Emily Carter-Walsh, Terry Trueblood
Staff Present:
Karin Franklin, Brian Boelk
Call to Order
Seabold called the meeting to order.
Public discussion of any item not on the aQenda
In response to a question from Seabold, Franklin reported she and Klingaman attended the Iowa Public
Art Network meeting in Waterloo/Cedar Falls and learned about the public art programs there, which have
a close affiliation with University of Northern Iowa. Some faculty members are very active in the programs
in terms of their own participation, as well as encouraging student participation. The production and
business of art is very much a part of UNl's curriculum as well. They had a panel of artists, three of whom
were students, and the students spoke confidently about their work, including commissioned work they
had already done while still undergraduates.
Franklin said the programs are also strongly supported by the cities. The Waterloo program is located in
something like a cultural center, which includes a museum, performing arts, and visual arts. There is also
a lot of collaborative work to bring private money into the programs. She added this was all very
interesting in light of efforts to encourage more participation from UI, though the focus of the art programs
at UI and UNI are very different. It was suggested at the meeting that the program at UI emphasizes the
creative process more than the aspects of making the pieces and getting commissions. Martin agreed the
UI art programs do not discuss the business end of art.
Franklin said she heard a UI course was under development in the Pappajohn building that would discuss
the business end of art. Martin said artists end up having to learn about that aspect without having any
sort of background or introductory discussion. Franklin said in her experience, artists who are
knowledgeable and work the business end of things well are much easier to work with.
Franklin said Klingaman also attended the America for the Arts pre-conference in Milwaukee in June, and
will report on that at a later meeting.
Seabold said he wrote a short piece about the Iowa City program, parts of which were included on an
editorial page in the Des Moines Register the week before that discussed public art in Iowa in general.
The Register piece mostly highlighted ISU's program, saying they had the largest collection in terms of
artwork both on campus and beyond. Franklin questioned that noting the UI has an outstanding collection
just in the hospital.
Seabold said his contact at the Register said she would coach him on turning a press release or news
story into an editorial that could be published at a later date.
Consideration of the Minutes of the June 1. 2006 Meetina Minutes
Martin noted some errors in spelling and attribution in the minutes.
MOTION: Fosse moved to accept the minutes as amended. Martin seconded, and the motion passed on
a unanimous vote by those present.
Consideration of a call for artists for the Grand Avenue Roundabout Proiect
Fosse introduced Boelk, who is a senior engineer who has been doing the design on the project, so will
be able to answer more detailed questions on the project.
Franklin suggested going through the draft of the Call and discussing some specific points. The first thing
to consider is what sort of piece the committee is looking for. The proposal currently asks for an artistic
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
July 6, 2006
Page 2
element, without specifying a particular type, such as a sculpture. However, if the committee wants a
sculpture, this could be changed. Franklin said it could also be softscape, such as landscaping, as well as
hardscape. The committee needs to decide whether they would like to have someone who designs the
whole area or just a specific part of it.
Franklin noted on the illustration page that the entire circle is 51 feet in diameter, but the piece the artist
would be dealing with is 31 feet in diameter. There is a 10-foot apron around the outside, which is
mountable so trucks can bump up against it without doing any harm. There will also be a curb between
the interior circle and the apron. The apron will be grey, stamped concrete similar to the medians in South
Grand Avenue.
Franklin continued by saying the committee could ask someone to do design for the entire area, though
the cost will increase if elements are included beyond a sculpture. When the budget is decided, that will
also be an indicator to the artist how much can be done with the space.
Fosse noted there is a steam tunnel that goes under the area, so it would be helpful to have the art
"plopable", to allow it to be moved for occasional steam tunnel maintenance, if necessary. That does not
preclude landscaping, but other permanent elements will be more expensive to remove and replace.
Franklin said the current plan is for the project to be funded jointly by the city and the University, though
that has not been confirmed yet. That would include only the roundabout part. She said she consulted
with University personnel about whether there was an obligation to put a percentage into art for the
nearby parking ramp. There is not, so there is no money readily available at this time from the University
to help with the art aspect of the project. However, she expects they would like to have a role in deciding
what goes into the art project. The University still believes this one-way system is temporary, and that
there will be a two-way road that goes past the Athletic Learning Center, which is the new building on the
north side of Melrose east of the new parking lot.
Franklin said there has been debate in the community whether Melrose would cut a diagonal path to
Burlington. There was a joint city-University-community planning project that eventually settled on the
current solution of having one-way traffic flow around the area on Melrose, with another lane against the
flow on Grand Avenue that gives access to the emergency services. The roundabout is being put in to
better manage the traffic flow in that contra-lane. The University's position has historically been that traffic
should run diagonally through the area, which is not something the city has supported. It is an ongoing
discussion. She added the ongoing discussion is pertinent to Fosse's statement about movability in the
piece, because having something in the middle of the roundabout might imply permanence. Given that
the University will be involved in some manner with the art aspect of the project, it would be helpful to
pursue something that could be moved.
Martin asked whether the call should specify a sculpture. Franklin said if that is what the committee would
like to pursue, that could be specified. Martin said a sculpture would be something potentially moveable,
and is easily described. Franklin asked if there was consensus on asking for a sculpture. The committee
members present agreed. Fosse suggested not limiting the call to a single sculpture, since the area is
fairly large. He added that ideally the artists would work in a 28-foot diameter area, to allow for the curb
and signage.
Williamson asked whether the object should be stationary, so it is not distracting for traffic. Fosse agreed
that specifying the piece is not kinetic would be preferable. Martin asked about having something that
blocks line of sight across the roundabout. Fosse said he has heard that is a good thing to look for.
Franklin asked for confirmation that the roundabout will be constructed in 2007. Boelk said yes. Franklin
said asking for submissions by October would mean Council would not approve anything until November,
giving six months for fabrication. That would allow placement by July 2007. She asked if that would be a
reasonable time to suggest, or too soon. Fosse said it would be too soon, because the roundabout
construction likely would begin in summer after graduation, so August completion would be more likely.
Boelk said it would need to be installed before construction is complete, because access in the area
would be crowded after the roundabout is complete.
Fosse suggested having the piece be available for installation in July. Franklin suggested July 15. She
asked whether October submissions would give enough time for fabrication. The committee members
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
July 6, 2006
Page 3
agreed that was enough time. Franklin said she would change the call to specify sculptures. Boelk asked
if any other landscaping would be included. Franklin said no, the artist would likely be responsible solely
for the sculpture. The city would have to do any necessary landscaping, which will probably playoff of the
installed piece. It could even be cobbles or some other hard surface.
Franklin said one of the purposes of the project is to draw attention to the roundabout. One of the reasons
for the visual blockage is so the driver is focused on staying in one lane and is not distracted by other
cars entering and exiting the flow. Something either broad or a group of items are likely to be needed to
accomplish those goals, but those specifications have not been written into the call yet. She asked
whether that should be included. Fosse said yes.
Franklin asked whether the committee would like to specify that the piece should not encourage
pedestrian traffic near it. Martin agreed that should be spelled out. Fosse said the wording often used is
the piece should not be inviting to pedestrians. Franklin asked whether the additional attachments
regarding illumination and landscaping should be included. The points made in the landscaping
attachment are to make it more conspicuous and attractive. She noted some of the guidelines are more
specifically for the splitter islands, however.
Fosse said there are two aspects of lighting, both for lighting the intersection and light as a component of
the art. Light can be incorporated into the art as long as it does not cause glare in drivers' eyes. Even
surface lights would need to be shielded to direct the light only at the piece and away from drivers' eyes.
Seabold said illumination could also be a part of the art, however. Fosse suggested stating any
illumination elements should avoid glare in drivers' eyes.
Franklin asked if the illumination attachments would be confusing and therefore should not be included
with the call packet. The statement about illumination would be included in the call itself. Fosse agreed,
since the attachment focuses more on illumination of the intersection, which is independent from the art.
He added that, in terms of illumination, water elements such as a fountain should not be an option in the
piece.
Franklin asked whether the statement about incorporating directional cues was understandable. Seabold
and Martin said yes. Seabold asked about what kinds of directional guides should be incorporated. Fosse
said that is under investigation in terms of reflectivity standards. Franklin said she did not think the one in
Coralville had directional markers in the middle[ed. Coralville's roundabout does have signs at the lane
entries as well as chevrons incorporated into the wall]. Boelk said he thinks that intersection relies on
lighting and the chevrons in the limestone blocks.
Franklin asked what the plan is for illumination in the Grand Avenue intersection. Boelk said the
University is proposing to take out the existing lights and put in new shoebox type lighting angled to the
corners to help illuminate the intersection. Fosse said it would be good to remove the current Queen Ann
lights from the area, because they do cause glare. Franklin asked whether the intersection would have
adequate lighting. Fosse said it is too early to say.
Franklin asked how much and at what point the committee would like to involve the University and the
neighborhood in the discussion. The University should be involved as a matter of courtesy, and the
neighborhood has expressed concerns about this project. Involving the neighborhood in the project would
be one way to engage them. Felling said there could be some friction between the University and the
neighborhood. Franklin noted that having the different groups meet and be involved in the process could
be a positive thing. Martin agreed involving the neighborhood early on might avoid some friction later on.
Williamson said having representatives at the meeting to see why things are being done might help the
process. Franklin said what has been done in the past is to have the different groups contribute during the
selection phase after the proposals are received. Either there could be a second, separate committee, or
just include additional people in the meeting when the Public Art committee reviews the proposals. That
can be decided later, however. The call will simply state that the University will be represented in the
selection process.
Franklin said the last three bullets are included in all calls. However, if the call specifies the piece needs
to be ready to install by July 15, but the project is not ready and installation is delayed, that would make it
difficult to have the artist be responsible for installation. Fosse said ideally the artist would be available at
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
July 6, 2006
Page 4
the time of installation, but otherwise installation instructions could be requested. Franklin said even if the
artist is present for installation, the city crews are the ones who actually do the work. Fosse said that
would be fine.
Fosse suggested adding "vandal resistant" to the bullet point about durable materials. Franklin noted that,
and asked if there was anything else that should be added. She said she has noted the point about the
piece not being kinetic. Boelk said another involved party would be UIHC. Franklin agreed they do
consider themselves somewhat separate from the University.
Franklin said the amount available right now in the public art budget is $70,675.00. There are project
installations that the committee is committed to that will reduce that. Birds in Flight will be installed July
13. Wetherby is moving along, and Melrose is moving also, though slowly. It is possible the Melrose
money will not be spent until spring 2007. Even if another neighborhood begins planning a project, they
probably would not spend any money until next fiscal year.
Fosse said $35K would likely not be enough to build something on the scale and quality the committee
would like. Seabold agreed. Franklin asked what the total cost of the roundabout project would be. Boelk
said he does not have the current information on hand. Franklin suggested planning for one percent of
the project. Fosse said that would be about $35-40K. Franklin said $35K would get something on the
scale of the pieces in the pedestrian mall.
Fosse said this piece will have a lot of mass, which will raise the price. Franklin asked if $50-75K would
be reasonable. Seabold said yes. Franklin suggested not specifying an amount in the call, to see what
artists propose and then plan on fundraising if there is a desireable but costly piece submitted. Martin
agreed that would make sense for this particular project. Williamson said this might encourage people to
submit projects who would not submit for a lower amount. Franklin said she would change the phrasing
for the budget in the call. Seabold suggested making some statement indicating a significant budget is
possible.
Franklin reviewed the rest of the call information. Seabold suggesting spelling out PCC. Fosse said if the
artist has a different stamp pattern for the apron, using it is fine as long as it is a standard stamp. He said
it is important that it is mountable, but also visually distinct from the roadway.
Franklin said the design considerations usually address what the committee is looking for in terms of the
aesthetic. Fosse said there should be a directional traffic control component. Franklin asked if there is a
theme or particular element the group would like, or if it will be left up to the artist. Seabold said the
directional component gives an interesting constraint already. Fosse suggested saying it should work in
the context of the University, that is, among institutional buildings. Williamson suggested something that
ties the city, University, and hospital together. She added that she prefers leaving the options open in this
area.
Franklin said submission materials are standard. Fosse asked whether the committee is looking for
currently available works, or concepts. Franklin said that should be changed to concepts, and that it will
ask for electronic submissions. She asked for any additional feedback to be emailed to her prior to the
August meeting.
Fosse noted UI is working on a new landscaping plan for the entrance of the Field House. Boelk said he
would keep in contact with them about that.
Committee time/Updates/Other business
Birds in Flight
Seabold said it would be installed on July 14. There will be seven birds instead of five. Fosse said the
ground around the poles will look rugged for a while after installation, but in a few months things will look
as the committee envisioned with the poles rising out of tall grass.
Distribution of Glimpse
Seabold displayed materials for the committee. Franklin asked if Klingaman contacted him about printing.
Seabold said yes, that probably at the end of July there would be a run of color maps printed. He has
some ideas on where to put some of them. Martin suggested the public library, Iowa Memorial Union, UI
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
July 6, 2006
Page 5
library, and the Chamber of Commerce as additional placement options. Williamson suggested hotels as
well.
Franklin said the plan is to also put the map on the web. Seabold said it is already online. Franklin asked
if it is readable on letter-sized paper. Seabold said it is, though it is designed to be printed on ledger-sized
paper. Martin suggested adding a note on the webpage of where to get a hardcopy map if the small map
is not readable.
Other publicity
No discussion.
Adiournment
There being no further business to come before the committee, Williamson moved to adjourn. Fosse
seconded and the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
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I .
The Public Art Program of
the City of Iowa City was
established in September
1997. The intention of the
Public Art Program is to
enhance public spaces,
promote Iowa City as a
cultural center, and build
Iowa City's image as a vital
place to live and work. This
will be accomplished by the
integration and placement
of art in public projects and
places. The Public Art
Program is supported by an
allocation of $50,000 of
public funds per fiscal year.
A Public Art Advisory
Committee has been
appointed to assist in the
development and
management of this
program.
The mission of the Public
Art Advisory Committee, as
stewards of the City of Iowa
City, is to enhance the
appearance of the city
through the selection and
integration of art in a public
environment.
2006 Membership:
Charles Felling
Rick Fosse
DaLayne Williamson
Emily Martin
Mark Seabold
Terry Trueblood
Emily Carter Walsh
Call to Artists
Weatherdance (detail of plaza paving) by Myklebust-Sears, 1999
Call To Artists
The Public Art Advisory Committee of the City of Iowa City is inviting proposals for a
sculpture or sculptures for the center of a roundabout at the intersection of Grand
Avenue and South Grand Avenue in Iowa City. The roundabout will be constructed in
2007. It sits at the top of a hill framed by University of Iowa dormatories and the
University Field House which is a recreation center. Views from the hill are of the Iowa
River and the Burlington Street bridge, an entrance to downtown Iowa City.
SUBMITTALS ARE REQUESTED BY OCTOBER 1, 2006.
Project Parameters
. The outcome of this project should be a sculpture or sculptures that call attention
to the presence of the roundabout but do not encourage pedestrian access to the
roundabout. Therefore, small details inviting close scrutiny should be avoided.
. Proposal should follow the guidance of the U. S. DOT/FHWA Traffic Design and
Landscaping-Roundabouts, Section 7.5 attached.
. To the extent possible, the sculpture or sculptures should incorporate visual
directional cues (eg. chevrons) reflecting the direction of traffic flow desired.
. Illumination, if proposed, should be shielded or downcast to avoid glare to
motorists.
. Kinetic sculptures and water sculptures will not be accepted.
. Artist must be able to collaborate with the City's engineering design consultant,
City staff, University of Iowa representatives and neighborhood representatives.
. Artist must be able to coordinate the delivery and installation of the artistic
element with City staff.
. Materials and design must be durable and vandal resistant. The resulting project
will be subject to Iowa weather conditions.
. Maintenance methods must be developed and documented and provided to the
City for future reference.
Project Budget
All artists must submit a budge which should include acquisition of the sculpture(s);
food, lodging and transportation for the artist; materials; shipping if necessary;
installation and any subcontracting. Total budget for the project will be determined by
the quality of the proposal. A meritorious and desireable proposal may require
fundraising by the City if the total cost of the project exceeds funds available.
Project Timeline
Work should be available for installation no later than July 15, 2007.
Selection Process
Submitted materials will be reviewed by the Public Art Advisory Committee in
collaboration with representatives of the Melrose Neighborhood Association, the
University of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A recommendation
of a selected artist will be made to the City Council. Final selection of the artist is made
by the City Council.
Deadline for Receipt of Materials:
Friday, October 1, 2006 by 5:00 P.M.
I Iowa City Public Art Program
Project Opportunity
Background and Site Description
The City of Iowa City has begun design of a roundabout at the point at which a
downtown arterial, Burlington Street/Grand Avenue, becomes a local street, South
Grand Avenue, within the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics (UIHC) campus. The street system is part of a one-way loop with a contra-lane
providing access to the UIHC emergency services. A roundabout is being installed to
better manage the traffic flow.
It is the desire of the City to enhance this roundabout with a sculpture or sculptures that
will call attention to the roundabout but will not encourage pedestrian access or travel
through the roundabout.
The roundabout is 51 feet in diameter with a 28-foot diameter center within which the
sculpture would be sited. Encompassing the center is a 10 foot mountable apron of
grey stamped Portland cementitous concrete. This apron will match the existing
medians on South Grand Avenue. A curb will define the center within the apron. As
shown on the illustration attached, there will be a limestone retaining wall to the west of
the roundabout along one of the street curblines; a band similar to the 10 foot apron will
be in front of the retaining wall.
Design Considerations/Project Goals
. To add to the visual appeal of the area.
. To provide visual cues to the directional flow of the roundabout traffic.
. To obstruct the view of motorists across the roundabout, thereby focusing
their attention on the flow of traffic.
. To call attention to the presence of the roundabout.
. To provide an artistic element that requires minimal maintenance and is
vandal proof.
Submission Materials
A. Artists should submit twelve (12) collated sets of printed submission materials,
organized in the specific order as described below.
1. A letter of interest (one page maximum) including any background information
that would support the artist's qualifications for this project. Include public art
experience with budget size of past projects.
2. A current professional resume.
3. A page listing three (3) references. It is emphasized that letters of
recommendation are not requested.
B. Artists can submit up to three concepts for consideration and up to three views of
each concept on digital photos or on a CD. The concept views should be presented
as follows:
. Number of photo in upper right hand corner
. Name of artist at top
. List of concept views referencing corresponding photo numbers.
D. All materials submitted will become property of the Iowa City Public Art Advisory
Committee and additional views or details may be required at the discretion of the
Committee.
SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 P.M.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1,2006
Send To: KARIN FRANKLIN
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
Inquiries/electronic submittals: 319356-5232 or karin-franklin@iowa-citV.orQ
ppddif/call to artists.doc
7.4.5 Public education
4. Construct splitter islands and delineate the central island. At this point
should be uncovered and the intersection should operate as a rou
5. Finish construction of the central island.
It is important to educate the public whenever e is a change in traffic patterns.
It is especially important for a roundabout ause a roundabout will be new to
most motorists. The techniques discus In Chapter 2 can be applied during the
construction period. The following a ome specific suggestions to help alleviate
initial driver confusion.
. Prepare news rete s/handouts detailing what the motorist can expect be-
er construction;
message signs before and during construction;
elers Advisory Radio immediately prior to and during construction to
minate information on "How to drive;' etc.; and
nstall signing during and after construction that warns of changed traffic patterns.
7.5 Landscaping
This section provides an overview of the use of landscaping in the design of a
roundabout.
7.5.1 Advantages
Landscaping in the central island, in splitter islands (where appropriate). and along
the approaches can benefit both public safety and community enhancement.
The landscaping of the roundabout and approaches should:
. Make the central island more conspicuous;
· Improve the aesthetics of the area while complementing surrounding
streetscapes as much as possible;
. Minimize introducing hazards to the intersection, such as trees, poles; walls,
guide rail, statues, or large rocks;
. Avoid obscuring the form of the roundabout or the signing to the driver;
. Maintain adequate sight distances, as discussed in Chapter 6;
. Clearly indicate to the driver that they cannot pass straight through the intersec-
tion;
. Discourage pedestrian traffic through the central island; and
. Help blind and visually impaired pedestrians locate sidewalks and crosswalks.
Roundabouts: An Informational Guide. 7:Trafflc De81gn and Land8caplng
o
US Depor1menl
a Tra>spor1allOll
CONTENTS
Public education during
construction is as important as
the public education effort
during the planning process.
Landscaping is one of the
distinguishing features that
gives roundabouts an aesthetic
advantage over traditional
intersections.
207
Avoid items in the central island
that might tempt people to take
a closer look.
Exhibit 7-24. Landscaping of
the central island.
208
o
us Oepcrlmerl
aTrmsportciton
CONTENTS
7.5.2 Central island landscaping
The central island landscaping can enhance the safety of the intersection by mak-
ing the intersection a focal point and by lowering speeds. Plant material should be
selected so that sight distance (discussed in Chapter 6) is maintained, including
consideration of future maintenance requirements to ensure adequate sight dis-
tance for the life of the project. Large, fixed landscaping (trees, rocks, etc.) should
be avoided in areas vulnerable to vehicle runoff. In northern areas, the salt toler-
ance of any plant material should be considered, as well as snow storage and
removal practices. In addition, landscaping that requires watering may increase
the likelihood of wet and potentially slippery pavement. Exhibit 7-24 shows the
recommended placement of landscaping within the central island.
The slope of the central island should not exceed 6:1 per the requirements of the
AASHTO Roadside Design Guide (9).
Where truck aprons are used in conjunction with a streetscape project, the pave-
ment should be consistent with other streetscape elements. However, the mate-
rial used for the apron should be different than the material used for the sidewalks
so that pedestrians are not encouraged to cross the circulatory roadway. Street
furniture that may attract pedestrian traffic to the central island, such as benches or
monuments with small text, must be avoided. If fountains or monuments are be-
ing considered for the central island, they must be designed in a way that will
enable proper viewing from the perimeter of the roundabout. In addition, they must
be located and designed to minimize the possibility of impact from an errant vehicle.
Inscribed Circle Diameter
Central Island
Width Varies to Ensure
Adequate Sight Distance
(2 m [6 ft] minimUm)
7.5.3 Splitter island and approach landscaping
In general, unless the splitter islands are very large or long, they should not contain
trees, planters, or light poles. Care must be taken with the landscaping to avoid
obstructing sight distance, as the splitter islands are usually located within the
critical sight triangles (see Chapter 6).
Federal Highway Administration
Landscaping on the approaches to the roundabout can enhance safety by making
the intersection a focal point and by reducing the perception of a high-speed through
traffic movement. Plant material in the splitter islands (where appropriate) and on
the right and left side of the approaches can help to create a funneling effect and
induce a decrease in speeds approaching the roundabout. Landscaping in the cor-
ner radii will help to channelize pedestrians to the crosswalk areas and discourage
pedestrians from crossing to the central island.
7.5.4 Maintenance
A realistic maintenance program should be considered in the design of the land-
scape features of a roundabout. It may be unrealistic to expect a typical highway
agency to maintain a complex planting plan. Formal agreements may be struck
with local civic groups and garden clubs for maintenance where possible. Liability
issues should be considered in writing these agreements. Where there is no inter-
est in maintaining the proposed enhancements, the landscape design should con-
sist of simple plant materials or hardscape items that require little or no mainte-
nance.
7.6 References
1. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Manual on Uniform Traffic Control De-
vices. Washington, D.C.: FHWA, 1988.
2. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Standard Highway Signs. Washing-
ton, D.C.: FHWA, 1979.
3. Smith, SA, and R.L. Knoblauch. "Guidelines for the Installation of Crosswalk
Markings." In Transportation Research Record 1141. Transportation Research
Board, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1987.
4. Herms, B.F. "Some Visual Aspects of Pedestrian Crosswalks:' In Proceedings,
22nd California Street and Highway Conference, Institute of Transportation and
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tions publiques (CERTU). tEclairage des Carre fours a Sens Giratoire (The Illumi-
nation of Roundabout Intersections). Lyon, France: CERTU, 199"
6. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
An Information Guide for Roadway Lighting. Washington, D.C.: AASHTO, 1985.
7. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires
and Traffic Signals. Washington, D.C.: AASHTO, 1994.
8. Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). American National Standard Practice for
Roadway Lighting. Standard RP-8. December 1982.
9. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
Roadside Design Guide. Washington, D.C.: AASHTO, 1989.
Roundabouts: An Informational Guide. 7:Trefflc D..19n and Land.ceplng
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1645 N. Wood St
Chicago, IL 60622
October 5, 2005
City of Iowa City
Iowa City Public Art Program
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Iowa City Art Council:
I am writing to request your consideration in regards to the future of the sculpture
"Love is Strange" in Willow Creek Park. Hopefully everyone has had a chance to visit
the work, which was recently finished after' much painstaking time and effort. I was very
pleased when I final stood back and compared the finished work to the original drawing
and the maquettes. The overall form of the surface looks just like the maquettes with
angular planes rolling in and out with the iron rod. I realized that it looks very similar to
Umberto Boccioni's sculptural masterpiece Unique Forms of Continuity in Space which
was not a conscious inspiration but has always been a personal favorite.
Maybe not too surprisingly, it peaked the interest of many park visitors during the
on-site phases of casting and texturizing the surface of the concrete. Numerous people
stood and watched and many actually approached causing me to stop my work and
address them and their questions. Many were interested in how I came to be doing this
and who sponsored it, if it was "Art in the Parks" or what. People expressed excitement
about the new addition. Many talked about how they live in the area and come to the
park everyday. They had been watching the process, liked the work so far, and thought
the idea of putting sculpture there was wonderful. Some wanted to know if more works
were coming. One man with a couple children thought it would be neat if they turned
that whole wooded area into something like a fantasy land with a bunch of different
sculptures.
It has been an honor and a privilege to have been accepted by the Iowa City Arts
Council for this installation. It has also been a great opportunity for me to represent the
University oflowa's School of Art. The question that comes now is what to do with the
piece after the contract is up. I am unsure of my ability at that time to store it and I
certainly do not want to have to destroy and dispose of it. I would like to ask the council
to reconsider the rotating pad and consider the possibility of purchasing the work from
me at the very reasonable price of $3000.
Having a rotating display is beneficial especially when considering the
questionable quality of student work. In this case however, I think the structural integrity
and durability of my materials have been under estimated. One of the first things to
happen to the sculpture will be the rusting of the exposed metal. This excites me and was
intentional. The dark rusty color will provide a dramatic linear contrast to the grayish
white concrete planes. The rust will then begin to bleed down the concrete, following the
path of least resistance over the rolling angular planes of the bodies. I am certain there
will be no major phy.sical deterioration of the sculpture for at least five years. After
approximately 10 years the rust at the surface will start to work its way down into the
cement and will expand ever so slightly. As the layers of rust build, small fragments of
cement around the exposed metal will begin to fall away. This is all a very slow process
made even slower by the use of a chemical mixture known as air-entrainment added to a
good mix of Portland cement and the right sized aggregate.
I hope you agree that the size and quality of this work along with the ambition to
see it through far exceeds what you might expect from your average student. Setting
aside the physical size and integrity ofthe work, I hope that you see the value in it's
originality, in it's artistic composition, in it's innovative use of materials, and in it's
ability to speak to the public yet remain somewhat of a mystery.
Sincerely,
Seth Godard
Enclosures (2)