City of Gainesville - File #: 090499.

• File #: 090499.
• Version: 0
• Name: Public Works Administration Building Public Art (B)
• Type: Staff Recommendation
• Status: Passed
• File created: 11/19/2009
• In control: City Manager
• Final action: 11/19/2009
• Title: Public Works Administration Building Public Art (B) This item involves a request by the Art in Public Places Trust for City Commission approval of selection of the Trust's first-ranked artist, Theresa Thompson, to complete the public art project for the Public Works Administration Building.

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
11/19/2009	0	City Commission	Approved as Recommended	Pass

Title
Public Works Administration Building Public Art (B)

This item involves a request by the Art in Public Places Trust for City Commission approval of selection of the Trust's first-ranked artist, Theresa Thompson, to complete the public art project for the Public Works Administration Building.

Explanation
In accordance with professional public art standards, the Art in Public Places Trust recommended that staff include a new Calls for Artists' format which would allow artists to submit their qualifications in addition to and/or rather than a site specific proposal. This format allows the artist to work with the site architect and users during the development of their design.

The Art in Public Places Trust Advisory Committee, which includes the City's Public Works Director, General Services Manager and the Public Works Administration Building's architect, issued a “Call for Artists” to select the public artist for the new Public Works Administration Building. The Call requested responding artists to propose artwork that is functional, relates to Public Works, and enriches the environment. This public art project may enhance the aesthetic quality of the exterior façade of the building and/or the interior two-story atrium for those who use its services everyday. The artwork will be accessible and contribute to Gainesville's community pride.

On September 2, 2009, the Trust selected three finalists: Susan Bowen, Teresa Thompson and a three-artist team consisting of Patrick Grigsby, Bonita Dewiliby and Richard Moore. Each finalist made a public presentation to the Trust on October 7th; and after hearing the presentations, the Trust selected artist Theresa Thompson for the project. Susan Bowen was ranked second, and the 3-person team, Patrick Grigsby, Bonita Dewiliby and Richard Moore, was ranked third.

Although all of the finalist presentations were strong, the Trust preferred the fact that Teresa Thompson's work could be installed and highly...