HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.b.Library Art PieceROSEMOUNTEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Work Session Meeting: March 16, 2010
AGENDA ITEM: Library Art Piece
AGENDA SECTION:
PREPARED BY: Kim Lindquist, Community Development
AGENDA NO. �-Y'2.
Director
ATTACHMENTS: Handouts from Foster Willey
APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No Formal Action Required; Council Indicate Acceptance of
Art Design
ISSUE
In 2009 the City Council budgeted $60,000 in the CIP for a library art piece. That money was encumbered
at the end of last year to as the process for artist selection was not complete. The Council discussed adding
an art feature to the premises during the design development of the library. There have been discussions
that the City may use the art feature as a catalyst for future smaller arts pieces around Downtown.
At the present time staff is requesting the Council review the art piece and make sure they are comfortable
with the design. Staff is also getting approval from the Dakota County Citizens Art Advisory Committee,
Dakota County Library Board and the Dakota County Board. The Art Advisory Committee and Library
Board have both voted to support the present design. In the future the County and City will be asked to
enter into an agreement clarifying ownership and maintenance responsibilities. It is expected that the City
will own and maintain the sculpture. If all parties are comfortable with the design, the Council will be
asked to enter into a contract with the artist to commission the piece. It is expected that the piece will be
available for installation in the fall of 2010.
TRISKELE
BY
FOSTER WILLEY
02010
TRISKELE IS A CELTIC SYMBOL CONSISTING OF THREE SPIRALS. THE
SPIRAL IS A UNIVERSAL SYMBOL THAT APPEARS THROUGHOUT NATURE
AND IN NUMEROUS CULTURES. ITS MANY INTERPRETATIONS INCLUDE
CREATION, ETERNAL LIFE, AND HUMAN SPIRITUALITY. THE TRISKELE ALSO
SYMBOLIZES THE THREE REALMS - LAND, WATER, AND SKY.
THE CELTIC SPIRAL IS THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS WORK OF ART.
TRISKELE REPRESENTS THE CITY OF ROSEMOUNT, ITS CONNECTION TO
IRELAND AND ITS VISION FOR CULTURE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.-
Foster Willey Jr. February 24, 2010
60722 n, Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612 - 782 -8629
fosterwillev(& earth link. net
fosterwilley.com
City of Rosemount Public Art Proposal
TR/SKELE
Narrative
My proposal is a freestanding sculptural form that is inspired by Irish iconography and metaphorically
contributes to the strong Irish sentiments that many of the current Rosemount residents share. It is my
intention to create a contemporary work of art that is visually dynamic, provides a unique gathering space,
and serves as the focal point of the Aobert Trail LibV
The lhsh,iconography I refer tQ is takeR from Celtic Art, a visually rich and enduring art form. The triple
spiral or triskele is a symbol consisting of :three interlocking spirals. Believed to be an ancient symbol of
Celtic beliefs, the triple spiral appears in various forms in Celtic art, with the earliest examples having
been carved on pre -Celtic stone monuments, and later examples found in Christian illuminated
manuscripts.
The spiral is a universal symbol that appears through out the natural world and in many cultures. The
spiral is recognized as a powerful symbol of creation and growth. In most cultures, it is a symbol of
eternal life, spiraling out infinitely, thus reinforcing the concept of life, death, and rebirth. It is one of the
oldest symbols of human spirituality. Celtic Spirals have many interpretations, one of which is a symbol of
the three realms – land, sea, and sky.
Tiiskele will have an iconic presence and will appear as a strong graphic silhouette against the brick
facade of the Robert Trail Library. The sculptural form will compliment and harmonize with the strong
contemporary lines of the architecture. This lyrical work is elevated and consists of three spirals placed
side by side. Its geometric design expresses both transparency and movement. The sculpture will be
fabricated out of cast bronze with a light brown patina. It will be placed on a six -foot tall black cast stone t l
base that is tapered on three sides and inset with a relief of the triskele design found t ugh out this V`
_hw proposal. The completed work will be approximately eight feet in length and n feet in height
(including the base). It will be place at an angle to the masonry facade of the library. Because of its scale
the artwork will have a strong street presence for passing automobile traffic and will be clearly visible from
within the library. ♦Q
Included in my proposal are several amenities such asNp-ground un linhtinn and a decorative stone I — NOYM
surround. Also included are ideas for site integration that include paving suggestions and bench designs.
These amenities and suggestions would be a separate budget. The designs are intended to complete and
compliment the artwork and the architecture of the library. The bench design with its stylized triskele
backrest could be utilized in other locations around the city. The design could also be configured in other
ways such as balusters, signage, or lighting.
Triskele provides an exciting addition to the streetscape of Rosemount. It also'compliments the modem
geometric lines of the Robert Trail Library. The Celtic spiral is the inspiration for this work of art. Tirske%
represents the City of Rosemount, its connection to Ireland, and its vision for culture within the
community.
Thank you for providing this opportunity. I hope you will find my work of interest.
Sincerely
Foster Willey Jr.
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