The city has announced the finalists for the Highway 550 sculpture project and I urge everyone to see the proposals at Ska Brewing Friday, Feb. 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
My project was rejected and, therefore, denied the opportunity to be seen and judged by the public. The committee stated that I hadn’t provided enough details on two questions in the application form. The committee ignored a visually dynamic artwork that transformed a 700’ concrete gutter into a towering range of shimmering gossamer mountains with an elevated river bed weaving between natural boulders. Large and bold without annoying details to distract drivers.
The three finalist pieces are a mass of confusing detail. The committee also ignored a lifetime resume including numerous workshops I’ve taught at prominent nationwide art institutions and a 2-week-long stone cutting workshop at Escola Llotja in Barcelona, Spain, where a cat named Picasso went to school.
I have significant experience in large scale concrete and welding projects. The three finalists apparently have zero experience in any of these areas.
Starting this Friday, I’ll have three large sculptures installed at the front entrance of the fabulous Smiley building, as well as my model for the sculpture project. Please check out my website jeffwiseart.com to see my full rejected proposal. After having seen the other proposals and if you like my project, please choose it as a protest write-in candidate. I’ve been ardently involved in the Durango art scene for 35 years.
Jeff Glode Wise
Durango
