Title
(10 minutes) Review and Recommend Two Public Art Proposals by Zach Coffin; One for Jean Sweeney Open Space Park and One for Towata Park/Shoreline Park at the Bay Farm Bridge
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: (10 minutes) Review and Recommend Two Public Art Proposals by Zach Coffin; One for Jean Sweeney Open Space Park and One for Towata Park/Shoreline Park at the Bay Farm Bridge
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.
The Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Steering Committee reviewed the proposed art piece by Zach Coffin and unanimously supported and recommended the project concept and location.
DISCUSSION
ROCKSPINNERS LOCATED ADJACENT TO BAY FARM ISLAND BRIDGE
A Rockspinner is a multi-ton boulder, which can be spun easily and silently with a single push, compelling viewers to interact and explore while creating a sense of place and an opportunity for fun. Mr. Coffin uses engineering to make these huge rocks appear weightless, juxtaposing large natural rocks with highly machined t...
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