HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2 Wallis Ranch Substitute Piece ITEM NO: 8.2
STAFF REPORT
HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
DATE: May 12, 2016
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Tegan McLane, Cultural Arts & Heritage Manager
SUBJECT: Wallis Ranch Public Art Substitute Piece By: 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,to substitute a new sculpture in place of “The Globe,” a 30-foot sculpture previously
approved by the City Council in October 2015.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Commission recommend City Council approval of the proposed new public art piece
for the Wallis Ranch development as a substitute for “The Globe” sculpture.
DESCRIPTION:
In October 2015, the City Council approved artistic gates, benches, screens and a monument sculpture by
Berkeley-based sculptor Eric Powell to satisfy the developer’s art requirement for the Wallis Ranch residential
development off Tassajara Road. Fabrication of three elements -- gates, benches and screens -- is complete.
Some pieces have already been installed. Others – most notably the gates, which have the potential to be
damaged by large construction vehicles – are being stored onsite and will be installed just prior to first
occupancy on July 25, 2016.
However, the artist and developer are requesting permission to substitute a new art piece for “The Globe,” a
30’ tall sculpture that was to be placed at the north end of the adjacent developer-built public park.
Seismically engineering this very tall and somewhat top-heavy piece would require 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
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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
recovered from the development site. 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.
Staff Review
Preliminary designs were reviewed by the Assistant City Manager (Interim Parks and Community Services
Director), Heritage and Cultural Arts 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.
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 ‘Archeology’ Artist Statement
2. Wallis Ranch ‘Archeology’ Images
812b Camelia Street, Berkeley, California 94710
415.407.5060 | eric@ericpowell.com | www.ericpowell.com
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 pully 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