Title
(10 minutes) Review and Recommend Public Art Proposal by Counterpoint Studio, LLC for Lincoln and Longfellow Parks.
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review and Recommend Public Art Proposal by Counterpoint Studio, LLC for Lincoln and Longfellow Parks.
BACKGROUND
In September 2017, the Community Development Department issued a Request for Proposals for Public Art. This requires the artist to secure a letter of support from the property owner; in this case from the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) with approval from the Recreation and Parks Commission. All applications are due by December 19, 2017. The next steps after submission of the art proposal to the Community Development Department includes the following:
1) Selecting the top three candidates for each category;
2) Requiring these candidates to further develop to-scale renderings, models and other visual materials to adequately illustrate their artwork plus a detailed budget, installation and maintenance plan, schedule and site plan;
3) Display those top proposals for public comment for two weeks;
4) Review and recommendation from the Public Art Commission; and
5) Final approval by City Council.
DISCUSSION
Counterpoint Studio, LLC is a collaboration between artists Peter Tonningsen and Lisa Levine. They are Alameda based photographers and educators. They are proposing ceramic tile mural artworks for the rear exterior walls of the handball courts at Lincoln and Longfellow Parks. There would be a connection in the mural imagery between the two sites as a means of uniting the East and West ends of the island. Their artwork involves installing large scale ceramic tile murals on these walls that reflects a mixture of Alameda Park settings, activities of park users, and Alameda history. The goal is to celebrate the parks and Alameda community and its long history. Their creative process to create the tiles involves repetitive photographic shots and exchange of film to create a series of layered photographic exposures that depicts a multidimensional perspective of place.
The materials are low relief, safe, durable and low maintenance. They are weather resistant and are sealed and coated with graffiti resistant materials so they can be easily cleaned. Tiles can also be replaced as needed.
The murals are approximately 6 - 8 feet in height and at least three feet up from the ground. The Lincoln Park site is 400 inches in width (four 110 inch sections) and the Longfellow Park site is 200 inches in width. These would be framed with a tile or stone molding trim to protect the edges and keep them safe for children and the community.
Counterpoint Studio is applying for the $150,000 award. See Exhibit 1 for more detailed information on the concept, methodology, other examples of artwork and experience.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is minimal financial impact from these proposed art piece. All costs, including installation would be funded by the public art grant. Ongoing maintenance is minimal and requires being wiped off as needed.
RECOMMENDATION
Review and recommend public art proposal by Counterpoint Studio, LLC for Lincoln and Longfellow Parks.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Counterpoint Studio, LLC Proposal