PRESS RELEASE
May 21, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Last year the City released a Request for Proposals for physical public art in Alameda. Now through June 4, 2018, finalist proposals in the $150,000 and $50,000 categories are on display on the 2nd floor of the Alameda Main Library (1550 Oak Street). Finalist proposals are also available for review and download on the City's website: https://alamedaca.gov/art_finalists.
Proposals in all award categories will go before the Public Art Commission at a meeting on June 18, 2018. The Commission will choose the top proposal in each category, subject to approval and appropriation of funds by the City Council.
The City of Alameda is seeking public comment on these proposals. Members of the public can comment via survey (https://goo.gl/forms/AYUNRANOXi2WiOGx1) or email (agehrke@alamedaca.gov). Community members are also invited to attend the June 18 meeting to provide oral comments.
Background
In September 2017, the City of Alameda released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for $262,500 in physical public art in Alameda from funding contributed by residential and commercial development projects. The RFP included five award categories:
One $150,000 award
One $50,000 award
Two $25,000 awards
One $12,500 award
In February and March 2018, a Selection Panel appointed by the Public Art Commission reviewed applications and ranked them according to the selection criteria established in the RFP. Finalists in the $150,000 and $50,000 categories were given ten weeks to put together a more detailed proposal, including a scale model or rendering of the proposed work.
Finalist proposals at the $150,000 and $50,000 levels are summarized below. Finalist proposals in all categories are available at https://alamedaca.gov/art_finalists.
Summary of Finalists
$150,000 Award Category (three finalists)
Rockspinners
Artist: Zachary Coffin
A Rockspinner is a multi-ton boulder, which can be spun easily and silently with a single push, compelling viewers to interact and explore while creating a sense of place and an opportunity for fun.
Proposed Location: this artwork, which includes two Rockspinners, is proposed for one of two possible locations:
Alternative #1: One Rockspinner on each side of the Bay Farm Bridge
Alternative #2: Two Rockspinners at the natural playground at Jean Sweeney Park
Bronze Squid
Artist: Rossella Scapini and Luke Heimbigner
Tall and sleek, this 12 foot tall bronze squid sculpture is envisioned as a design object rather than a realistic animal, with the tentacles working as arches/columns, allowing people to walk between the inner/outer space they create.
Proposed Location: Bay Trail at West Hornet Avenue
Dragon Dance
Artist: Dmitrii Volkov
"Dragon Dance“ represents two dragons as if dancing and playing with each other. Dragons will be looked at from afar as if hovering over the water against the backdrop of the water horizon.
Proposed Location: Main Street Ferry Terminal
$50,000 Award Category (two finalists)
Mosaic Seat Wall Insets
Artist: Denise Hart
Custom glass mosaic insets with themes corresponding to flowers, compass, rails, and the ocean.
Proposed Location: Four medallion seatwalls located in plazas throughout Jean Sweeney Park
Gateway Columns
Artist: Norman Moore
Two columns that form a gateway symbolizing the island of Alameda as the gateway for prospectors and the railroad heading east. The sculpture would celebrate Alameda as a biological gateway as well as an historic one.
Proposed Location: Western medallion plaza at Jean Sweeney Park
Contact:
Amanda Gehrke, Management Analyst
510-747-6896
