HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 Wallis Ranch Public Art ProposalDATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
STAFF REPORT
HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
June 9, 2016
Honorable Chair and Commissioners
Tegan McLane, Cultural Arts & Heritage Manager
Wallis Ranch Public Art Proposal
Prepared Gy Tegan McLane, Cultural Arts & Heritage Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Commission will consider a proposal by artist Eric Powell and Wallis Ranch developer Development
Solutions WR, LLC, for a quartet of sculptures, "Archeology," they wish to install instead of "The Globe," a
30-foot sculpture previously approved by the City Council in October 2015.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Commission provide specific feedback if more detail is still needed, or make its
recommendation to City Council if the detail provided at the meeting is sufficient.
DESCRIPTION:
At the May 12, 2016, Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission meeting, the Commission was presented with a
proposal for a new piece of public art which artist Eric Powell and developer Development Solutions LLC
seek to install instead of the previously approved piece "The Globe," a 30' tall sculpture that was to be placed
at the north end of the adjacent developer -built public park. Neither the developer, nor the artist, was
available to attend the May meeting, so an abbreviated report was presented by Staff.
The Commission was not satisfied that it had enough information to make a decision and requested a more
in-depth presentation with both developer and artist present and with additional materials, specifically a
detailed site map (Attachments 1 and 2) and more accurate renderings (Attachment 3), to include dimensions
and show what the art might look like installed.
ITEM NO: 7.1
Page 1 of 2
The artist has indicated that seismically engineering "The Globe" is proving difficult, without making
significant alterations to the design. Also, after discussions with City Facilities Development Staff, it was
agreed that the south end of the park, near the entrance road opposite Quarry Lane School, offered better
visibility for public art. With these two considerations, the artist proposed to design a replacement sculpture
that would be more site -specific to the Wallis Ranch Community Park area and easier to engineer.
Mr. Powell is proposing a new set of four steel sculptures, "Archeology," inspired by historic iron farm tools
that Mr. Powell recovered from the development site during his first visit. The sculptures are approximately
15' tall and are designed with the idea that they will likely be climbed upon, and several deliberately offer
seating possibilities (Attachment 4).
Staff Review
Preliminary designs were reviewed by the Assistant City Manager (Interim Parks and Community Services
Director), Cultural Arts and Heritage Manager, and Facilities Development Staff. The pieces are appropriately
scaled to the site and pose no significant safety concerns. The fact that the art pieces are inspired by artifacts
found on site offers an interesting heritage educational opportunity.
Commission's Responsibility,
The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission's role, with regard to developer proposed art, is to evaluate and
recommend based on whether they believe the art meets the requirements of the ordinance and goals of the
City, as stated in the Public Art Master Plan.
These requirements and goals can be summarized as follows:
• The art is created by qualified artists.
• The art is original, not mass produced.
• The art is appropriate in scale to the surroundings — large enough, appropriate color contrast, etc.
• The art is durable — resists weather, vandalism, can be repaired.
• The art appears to pose no significant safety risk to the public.
• The art is consistent with community values — not obscene or offensive.
• The art enhances a public space.
• The art helps establish a gathering spot for pedestrians.
• The art is located to provide maximum public exposure.
• The art strengthens the unique character of the place — relates to the purpose, history and natural
environment.
• The art enhances Dublin's identity.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Postcard notices of the proposed artwork change was sent by the Developer to the same radius list of
neighboring owners and tenants that were notified of the Developer's initial public art open house.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Wallis Ranch Site Map
2. Wallis Ranch Site Detail
3. Wallis Ranch `Archeology' Images
4. Wallis Ranch `Archeology' Artist Statement
Page 2 of 2
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ATTACHMENT 3
ATTACHMENT 4
ERIC POWELL
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April 29, 2016
Garrett Hinds, AICP
Director of Architecture
Trumark Homes
4185 Blackhawk Plaza Circle Suite 200
Danville, CA 94506
Direct: (925) 309-2519
Mobile: (925) 998-5473
Dear Garrett,
Following is the new description and conceptual vision for the sculpture for the entry
area for Wallis Ranch, submitted for your approval.
The four-part sculpture is called 'Archeology'.
The inspiration for the sculpture derives from objects that I unearthed when I originally
visited the site with you before the development of the land began.
These objects are all made of iron, which is the material of choice for my artistic
expression. Tools, tractor parts, horse shoes, plow blades and chains, all of which are
ubiquitous objects found on all farms and ranches, were among the objects found.
The objects represented in the sculpture include a (half) gear, a horseshoe, a gully and
a hook.
I find these objects to be compelling for a few reasons: They each have a sculptural
elegance and a timeless simplicity. Also they each represent early industrial design,
which was an essential aspect of the industrial revolution and the necessary precursor
to all of our modern technology.
'Archeology' celebrates both the history of Wallis Ranch as a ranch and a farm as well
as its' part in the high tech culture of Northern California.
The four sculptures average fifteen feet in height or width (see photo of scale model).
They are made of steel plate. The outer surface is a highly durable painted surface.
The markings on the surface are derived from drawings of the objects that I did. These
markings give the sculptures more depth and the feeling that they are 'drawn'. They
are painted onto the surface as well. The sculptures are engineered for installation onto
concrete footings.
I look forward to working with you on this artwork.
Best regards,
Eric
812b Camelia Street, Berkeley, California 94710
415.407.5060 1 eric@ericpowell.com I www.ericpowell.com