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Visual Arts

On the value of public art

With the city set to buy three new sculptures, five key players in the local arts scene weigh in

What good is public art and what role should and could it play in Durango?

The city of Durango has allotted $24,000 in its budget to purchase three sculptures to be placed around town. From a pool of 117 submissions, the city has pared it down to seven finalists and has asked the public to weigh in to help decide the final three. Residents can submit feedback to the city online through April 11 at www.durangogov.org/virtualcityhall.

Given the contentious nature of public art here and elsewhere, as well as strong feelings from many on how public funds should be allocated, we asked local artists and/or key players in the Durango arts community to comment on the value of the arts and, specifically, public art.

Shanan Campbell WellsOwner, Sorrel Sky GalleryPublic art is just that ... public. It is owned by the community and shared with the visitors that arrive each season. And it makes a statement to those visitors about who we are as a community.

Public art creates a sense of attachment that enriches and activates our shared open spaces. At times, it may commemorate a notable or historic event (pro cycle event), or promote a sense of connectivity to each other and to the natural elements that surround us. The art itself can break down barriers that may otherwise be found in a community: political, religious, socioeconomic, race. In a sense, it creates a bridge to bring everybody together.

Public art possesses not only an intrinsic value, it has the ability to inspire, shape our consciousness, create a collective positive attitude or reduce stress. It also possesses an instrumental value: its ability to spur economic development through art education, increased tourism, visitor navigation or way-finding and community identification. Economic benefits can also include the local business and individuals that contribute to the actual installation, such as design, fabrication, signage, lighting and maintenance. Good art is good for business.

As a community, our commitment to invest in a public arts program provides broad community benefit.

McCarson JonesOwner and photographer, Red Scarf ShotsWhy public art in Durango? Because in some way, it is important for everyone. Even when people don’t pay attention, public art has a way of serving our community and bringing people, ideas and creativity to the forefront. Art is a complete expression of the people and community that surrounds it. Our neighborhoods have a certain identity that goes along with what type of art is displayed, and there is a sense of uniqueness that comes from that expression. I believe that without art, our community would suffer in visual education for all. Children love being able to see work in the park or along the river trail; elders and tourists alike can be seen appreciating what we have erected around our little mountain town. What I do find important about Durango’s public art is that we should concentrate on commissioning local artists. We are influenced here, we live here and we have contributed to the artistic threads that make up Durango. I support public art and I also support local artists. Why not combine the two? I think we could all agree that Durango is full of talented artists willing and able to express their love of this town through the expression and dedication to their art. When deciding what type of public art should be displayed and whose artwork it will be, I say appreciate our local talent and sea of artists and offer them and the community a chance to enjoy what they have to offer.

Charles LeslieDirector, Community Concert Hall, Fort Lewis CollegePublic art has a place throughout the history of the human race. The Moai statues on Easter Island, carvings at the Teotihuican pyramids in Mexico, the Sphinx in Egypt, are early examples. In an article for Americans for the Arts, Jack Becket, artistic director of Minnesota’s FORECAST Public Artworks, points out that the Gateway Arch, Statue of Liberty and Vietnam Memorial were all highly criticized by the media and public when created. It is hard to imagine each city now without them. Public art is an easy target for criticism, while it supports artists and associated industry. Public art, according to Kevin Foy, former mayor of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, will always “encourage creativity and thoughtfulness.”

Cristie ScottExecutive Director, Durango Arts Center, Chair, City of Durango’s Public Art CommissionPublic art contributes to a city’s cultural, social and economic vitality. Over time, a public collection hints at our evolving culture and history, while defining a sense of place and identity that is unique to our community.

Public art can humanize a constructed, otherwise generic environment with the placement of artworks that wake up the imagination and urge us to pay attention to the public spaces we occupy. Integrating visual art into our everyday routines is also a powerful tool for educating on the importance of art in our society.

In Durango, our public art collection is crucial as it stands in for what we lack in a formal art museum’s permanent collection, providing a diversity of works freely accessible for viewing every day. With the current collection largely donated to the city by artists and patrons, as a community we benefit from over $1 million in cultural equity that only serves to enhance our quality of life.

Maureen MayArtistArts are the culture of the culture of the community; they’re the pulse of the community. They reflect the community and are as important as fixing potholes and making sure streetlights are working and making sure the sewer isn’t backing up. Art can be inspirational, and even if someone is not aware of it, it can have a profound effect on them. No matter how small, it is something that I think a community should be proud of to display and to put that face forward. Sure, I don’t like every piece that goes up, but I appreciate it.

I really think that just as artists themselves should be challenged, I think that the public should be challenged and not expect to have pretty pictures or pretty sculptures. I want something to make them think. And yeah, the “Arc of History” made people think, and negatively in many respects. It also got them involved. Like I said, it’s the pulse of the community, public art.

I’d like public input ... it’s important but I also think it’s important that you don’t just put up safe work. How boring does that get to be after a while?



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