'Arbor Winds' design chosen for $360K public art project at Stadium bridges
Massachusetts-based artist Catherine Widgery proposes a concept titled "Arbor Winds" that's largely based on the tree as a symbol of Ann Arbor's identity.
City officials said the artist's proposed concept — "Arbor Winds" — was supported by community feedback conducted by the Public Art Commission and the project selection panel.
Widgery's concept incorporates images of trees etched onto stone and glass panels. The images were taken from photos of trees in Ann Arbor along city streets and in Nichols Arboretum.
The glass etchings proposed by Widgery.
Aaron Seagraves, the city’s public art administrator, said the commission and selection panel plan to work with Widgery to refine the concept to a final design before it can be offered for final approval by the Public Art Commission and the City Council.
Widgery proposed having each tree panel lit at night by LED fixtures. Additionally, Widgery proposed a series of eight banners attached to the streetlight poles on the bridge itself — banners consisting of several 6-inch squares of etched acrylic held in aluminum frames welded together.
Funding for the project is coming from the city's pooled public art fund. The budget for the design, fabrication and installation is $360,000.
City officials said Widgery has a well-established record working on public art projects, having completed more than 30 works in public spaces, most recently in Toronto and Denver.
She has created several works with public infrastructure, including bridges, and has been recognized multiple times for creating an outstanding public artwork by the Americans for the Arts.
For more information on public art in Ann Arbor, visit www.a2gov.org/aapac.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Susanne Brace
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 5:32 p.m.
Why couldn't a local artist do this? Why didn't Ann Arbor.com push the story more when they were looking for artists to do this? Why weren't the public meetings talking about this advertised more? I know the art money is "different money" but why can't living trees be considered art? Why not take care of something that the town used to be known for?
A A Resident
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
Let's buy some expensive art, and hide it under a bridge. Cool idea.
Townspeak
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
Why is U of M not paying for this or at least some of this? Has the city asked for help from U of M or would that conflict with the Mayor's job as a paid "lecturer" for the U? What a conflict. he needs to resign.
A2centsworth
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 3:42 p.m.
what a waste of money, when we have so many other needs for our town. Like our schools, roads, to name a few. On the other hand, look at Toronto, the art there is done by LOCAL artists. Why does Ann Arbor feel they should bring in foreign artists? EGO!
Ryan J. Stanton
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
FYI — there were 32 total submissions from artists, including 10 from Michigan artists
UFOfairyologist
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
As I understand it, there was a prerequisite that artists have experience in large scale installations. At first blush, this seems like a very good idea. On reflection, I feel that is a bit lazy; I'd imagine that there are some good concepts which could be developed into reality by using some funds to enlist engineers or craftspeople. There is a "hurry" to fix infrastructure, but what is the hurry with art? If these were the best, I'd say......... (what does one say?)..... "Back to the drawing board."
UFOfairyologist
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Kind of sad really. Was the city obliged to go forward with one of the designs submitted? I find it somewhat (very) ironic that Ann Arbor has lost it's "Tree City U.S.A." Status due in part to Emerald Ash Borers> http://www.wral.com/ann-arbor-tries-to-keep-up-with-tree-care/12712192/ and in another public "art" project in West Park after the Black Willows were removed (unfortunately they had to be) the project was two skeletal palm looking "trees". Now the bridges will get skeletal etched ghost trees. Welcome to "Artificial Tree City U.S.A.". I hope that in future projects that the commission actually works WITH artitists in the DEVELOPMENT stages, in conjunction with architects and engineers, rather than tack on "art" as an afterthought. I would recommend (if possible) to put this project on hold and let us live with the bridge, which has a design (though not exciting in itself, nor blank enough to be a "canvas"), and see how it inspires, see how it functions, where people actually walk and how it looks in different seasons. Seriously, a friend/coworker noted that the concept panels look like they belong in a hotel lobby. Anyway, that was my 2¢ (probably more like 78¢)...and no, I would NOT propose fairy doors on the bridge. Though Clarence the Bridge Troll, I felt was appropriate for the OLD bridge. (whoops that was another 6¢)
UFOfairyologist
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:51 p.m.
BTW. I had put together a proposal for the West Park installation. Unfortunately, I saw the call for qualifications, rather late and had a full time job to attend to. Worse, I arrived 15 minutes late to city hall and was told that they would not accept any late submissions. Of course timeliness is a factor for bidding on any job, so that was that. As for the bridge project; I drive under it most every day, but the new bridge did not inspire me.
CynicA2
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 3:05 a.m.
Hmmmm... more like Arbor Breaking Winds - those trees look asphyxiated.
oyxclean
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 1:25 a.m.
Fix the dang roads instead!!! I was on Packard between Platt and Eisenhower and just about destroyed my car's suspension. Or what about Jackson rd? I could go on and on...
A A Resident
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10:19 a.m.
A2cents, some of these sections are too rough for a "road bike". A "mountain bike" with a suspension does OK though.
Goober
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 8:50 a.m.
The mayor, city council and other city leaders are ignoring you. They will do what they decide to do, not what you want.
a2cents
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:21 a.m.
Live a little: pedal that stretch on a bicycle. (you might slow down a tad)
nunya
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:48 p.m.
I just hope the emerald concrete borer doesn't come along and in turn cause the city to implement a special project to quarantine infected public art - all on taxpayer funds.
matt1027
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:24 p.m.
I love the idea of fake trees as opposed to more attractive and less expensive actual trees. Genius.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:05 a.m.
Nicholas, do you have some need to have trees under an overpass?
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:38 p.m.
Do you have some magic trees that grow under overpasses?
jen777
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:10 p.m.
There was some reason School of Art students were not allowed to compete - can Mr. Stanton find out why? it didn't make sense to me
Usual Suspect
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:06 a.m.
Because that's not how they do it in Boulder.
Mick52
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:07 p.m.
I agree a waste of money. I would like to see this project be required to use only local artists and keep the cost down to reasonable levels. Sometimes it is nice to see art around town but I am not impressed here, looks like dead trees.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 9:46 p.m.
In case anyone caught the news the other day that one of the artists competing for the Argo Cascades art project withdrew from the competition, I asked the city's art administrator why that was. Apparently it was due to a newly funded project elsewhere that wouldn't allow the artist to have time on his schedule to concentrate on all the projects he had committed to for the upcoming year.
st.julian
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 9:07 p.m.
Once again Ann Arbor fosters the hypocrisy of the MEDC. Think Michigan first. Buy Michigan. This is the same do as we say, but not as we do mentality has a negative impact on the community.
Mike
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:27 p.m.
I couldn't think of a better way to spend the money............
Brad
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.
You may have a future on city council ...
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.
In a few days get ready to see selected quotes from this discussion appearing in the newspaper edition and I can guarantee they will be printing mostly positive comments about this project despite the fact most of the reaction here is negative. Just another example of the clear left-wing bias and agenda AnnArbor.com has. I would sure like to see some honest journalism about contentious issues sometimes.
Ric
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
Well, what is the standing of the public pension plan? Maybe it would be more finacially prudent to contribute this money to the pension plan to avoid a Detroit situation in Ann Arbor.
mtlaurel
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:06 p.m.
there are pretty long winters and many gray days in SE Mich...would have been nice to have color. What does one need to look at that for? -a reminder of what an average day in March looks like? Or recall the tree that lost some limbs when storms came through? This is pretty sad really, kind of spooky....and then the price tag...
Goober
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
It's yucky.
A2rocks
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 6:40 p.m.
I could get a little more excited about this project if the artist was local. With all the talent we have in Ann Arbor I find it difficult to believe a local artist wasn't being considered. What a disappointment.
mady
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
Oh joy, 360 G's going down the sewer. At least it's not the giant toilet brush.
Ann Arbor Parents For Students
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
For the $360,000 I bet you could reinstate fall leave collection or xmas tree pick-up. I think serving the community is lost. Let's say there are 50,000 Households in Ann Arbor, we all just paid $6 for public art. Great! Want my leaves and xmas tree picked up!
Ann Arbor Parents For Students
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 6:23 p.m.
leaf not leave
Daniel Piedra
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:02 p.m.
Not bad. Better than the others. $360k is a lot though. Maybe I should have gone into making public art. Take a piece of bent steel, let it rust, and attach to a concrete slab. Boom -- $200k grand in the bank.
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:56 p.m.
You mean $750 grand? That's apparently the going rate here.
highlarryus
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:46 p.m.
i love art and can even get into the weird stuff whole-heartedly, but these fake, dead trees will do nothing to help me cope with my SAD and just look straight-up stupeez. the only out-of-state artist i want to touch A2 is Banksy.
r treat
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
I'm sure saes will love spray painting his name on the new tiles.
Hmm
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
Rabble rabble rabble
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:57 p.m.
That's rubble rubble
John of Saline
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.
Look out for your hamburgers.
Tim Hornton
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:23 p.m.
This sounds a lot better then that naked family statue on UM med campus with a little boy's behind pulled up to the fathers private area. That piece of "art" is disgusting. I don't mind Greek Nudes but naked kids with naked adults is not good. It's basically child porn right on campus. Shame shame UM, your record lately with child porn isn't so great either.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:15 p.m.
Correct, which means civilization should be *more* advanced in terms of technology and design - and less likely to call statues of naked people "child porn".
Usual Suspect
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 9 p.m.
This might be a great topic for discussion on dorm radio.
Usual Suspect
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.
I strongly suggest you realize this isn't ancient Greece.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
The best art bomb was when someone put green footprints from the "Spirit of Detroit" statue to the "Passo di Danza" statue in downtown Detroit.
DJBudSonic
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:11 p.m.
That statue has been moved a few times due to similar reactions to it. I don't much care for it either, I actually like it better when people put clothes on them. Then it looks more like the ancient roman statutes, which were painted in lifelike colors. Art bombing tip: you get the clothes on them by cutting the clothes in half, then reassembling in place.
John of Saline
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:04 p.m.
Um, Greek art usually had some grace to it. My main contention is that the statue we're talking about is unbalanced, ugly, and graceless.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 6:34 p.m.
I strongly suggest neither of you look at the ancient art of Greece. You'll probably die of a heart attack.
Tim Hornton
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.
That statue is "Fundamental as you can get" to child porn in public and is offensive. Especially how the kid is being held up against his father with both being naked. Oh and I've been camping a lot and have never seen in public naked parents with there kids.. And if they were naked while taking a shower I'll bet you haver never seen a father holding a son of that age like that UM statue. That's when child protective services needs to get involved ASAP.
John of Saline
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.
That is a very ugly statue. The kid looks like a board or other inanimate object that's being held up. And the positioning IS bad (more than a few have noticed this). Absolutely no grace to it at all. It should be melted down and sold for the metal value.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:30 p.m.
Not really. You can go camping anywhere in the states and see parents and kids naked in the presence of others. Even so, again, art is supposed to depict fundamental aspects of existence. Some things that are "private" are depicted publicly in art. Otherwise, we'd never have depictions of anything other than what is already public and already seen. That would not inspire, challenge or resonate with many people.
Usual Suspect
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:06 p.m.
"Most children have been nude with their parents when growing up at some point." In private. Not on the street corner.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
Most children have been nude with their parents when growing up at some point. The notion that it is child porn is ridiculous. Art is supposed to highlight fundamental aspects of existence. Being naked, old or young, is as fundamental as you can get.
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.
I am so angry that the City politicians are wasting my tax dollars on this kind of stuff! Ann Arbor is run for liberal special interest groups and that is corrupt.
Roger Kuhlman
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 4:19 a.m.
Solititude funding for Public art has not ended. It has just morphed rhethorically. Now Public Art must be 'baked in' city projects as Council Member Briere put it. That is a sham way of claiming that the Council respected the will of voters and really ended public funding of City Art. They did not! This approach has the added benefit of making it that much harder for Voters to determine how much money the City is spending on City Art projects in the future. Great, lack of accountability and a free rein to spend without effective controls is just what Democratic politicians desire.
a2cents
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:17 a.m.
Oh that the uom cared enough to enhance that area instead of building right out to the sidewalks. Black iron fences with locked gates don't cut it either.
Solitude
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:53 p.m.
@Roger Kuhlman, no, they didn't. They have ended the program; this is money that was still in the fund from previously.
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:18 p.m.
Unfortunately there is no effective way to stop corruption in this town when it is run as a one-party state. We had an election in November when the voters voted down the public funding of city Art but the local pols found a sneaky and deceptive way to void that vote and continue pubic funding of city Art.
Tesla
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:10 p.m.
I hope complaining about it in a slightly read news blog gets you satisfaction. If you want change it takes more than that.
Tesla
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
I think it looks very nice.
Linda Peck
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:58 p.m.
It is better than the other contenders but scraggly trees for that kind of money? :(
KMHall
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
The materials and installation are expensive.
The Eyes of Justice Team
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
Complete waste....the Mayor needs to go back to doing Open Houses.
whojix
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
Massachusetts based artist. $360,000. Can't make this stuff up folks.
Griffin
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.
In other news, Jackson road continues to destroy vehicles.
justcurious
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:07 p.m.
Don't bring Jackson up....the real horror is yet to come on that road....at least for commuters in cars and trucks trying to deliver into town.
andralisa
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:03 p.m.
Nice!
Jack Gladney
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
"Dead Trees Under the Bridge." Sounds like a great title for a piece at my next poetry slam.
John of Saline
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
Or a Green Day cover band.
Unknown
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:48 p.m.
1. Waste of money 2. Waste of money 3. Fix the roads that are falling apart!!! 4. This town is filled with local art students!! Did I mention it's a total waste of money? This city has greater needs..
a2xarob
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:47 p.m.
It's beautiful, and appropriate to a small city such as ours. Good choice!
NorthsideZak
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
Big fan of public art here. Love this and love art anywhere we can get it these days. I am not an artist myself but feel lucky to live in a city that values art like Ann Arbor. If you prefer a bland, boring community you have several, several options not far from here you could call home.
Roger Kuhlman
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 4:10 a.m.
Filling potholes is central city responsibility. Public Art is not by any stretch of the imaginination. Public Art paid by the Public in a time of tough economic conditions is a pure luxury. A2cents do you argue otherwise. I don't think most people would not agree with you. I am just pointing out what a small clique of politically favored people are doing to help themselves at the expense of most other people in the community including those who really can not afford the very high property taxes Ann Arbor levies on its residents..
a2cents
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:13 a.m.
Roger: & you can fund all the services you want and care about. Grab a shovel and some cold patch and step up to some potholes, maybe?
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
How about you and your friends funding the public art instead of forcing all Ann Arbor taxpayers to cover the bill. Why should we all be paying for your desires and wants?
Dan1737
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
While the price seems high to me, I have no problem with this artist's work. That said, I'd love to see similiar bridges or public art spaces approached differently in the future. How about making a system to mount tiles or panels like these but make them removable (by the city with special tools or key, not easily stolen) and then having an annual contest in which local artists (including HS and college students) submit drawings. The winner(s) would have their design created (enamel on metal or perhaps CNC-routed into metal or plastic) and displayed for a year. I imagine that a program like this might be possible for $10 thousand per year so even a permanent endowment would cost less than this project cost for a one-time design.
craig stolefield
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Mr. Stanton has written about it several times in the past but the same myth keeps getting regurgitated here every time the art program comes up. NONE of the money dedicated to art can be spent on salaries for police officers or fire fighters and it never could have. There are accounting rules governments have to follow. You might want to protest them not spending it on a road or sewer line but it would be illegal for them to spend it in the general fund. That said, I am not too fond of the projects that have been chosen so far by our fellow citizens but I have to admit, I did not go to any of the viewings or submit an opinion. I am however happy the city has an art program and it is still going. These things have a tendency to "grow" on you after they have been there a few years.
emsgp
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:16 p.m.
Hmm, let's see, three or 4 police officer position or another public art project. This is not sound thinking.
Stanthepotter
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:14 p.m.
i just threw up a little, 360K thats just wrong
BHarding
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
If you want a reasonable change in City Council, 4th ward residents should vote TODAY! TUESDAY.
dukeravenwood
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
They should spend the money to resurface Stadium Blvd from Main St up to the new bridge...it's terrible!
a2cents
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:09 a.m.
Fix and expand bike lanes... cagers will survive & multiply under any condition. That stretch of road might be considered a payback to the uom for their niggardly contribution to the bridge project.
MRunner73
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:59 p.m.
Thumbs down. They seem to be distracting. As a driver, I wouldn't want to take glance at these types of distractions while passing under the bridges.
Usual Suspect
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:51 p.m.
There is absolutely no need for art at this location.
fjord
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
This was by far the least ugly of the proposed projects ... but that's not saying much. $360,000? That's about ten times what it SHOULD cost.
DJBudSonic
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:38 p.m.
To suggest that this was supported by community feedback is a stretch. The number one thing communicated was "we don't like any of these". And the number two thing was, " if I was forced to pick one of these four, the least offensive one is the one with the trees". Take a look at the previous article that ontroduced these ideas with the poll and comments. But this opinion of the project was not just found on these forums, which tends to the negative. This was what I have heard from every single person I asked about this project and showed the selections to, and from people who were commenting at the table the AAPAC had set up at the green fair, and from people who were commenting at the townie fair. Had enough? Contact your representatives in city council and urge them to vote no on funding this project.
DJBudSonic
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
Sorry that comment was riddled with typos, the page crashed before I had a chance to edit, and it posted anyway!?
clownfish
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:37 p.m.
The submittal's were very poor. The Committee should have made an effort to find MI artists. If that means paying a little bit for proposals, then fine, take it out of the total cost of the project. When you ask people to spend a lot of time putting together a proposal for free you are going to get a small number of applicants and likely art like this, not great art at all.
justcurious
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
uh.....the trees are dead under the bridge...how fitting for this time in AnnArbor's "Tree Town" history. Hey Ann Arbor! Look at the state of your infrastructure instead of art from out-of-town. The art doesn't make it any better.
Zhuk
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:21 p.m.
so... rather than pay for 4 police officers for a year (or one new officer for 4 years) "we" are buying art rather than having a competition among local artists many of whom would gladly donate art of this size and quality for either a tax break or for the national exposure it would give them. I am really glad that our city council continues to spend money "wisely".
Solitude
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:47 p.m.
Why didn't any of these many local artists make submissions?
Dr. I. Emsayin
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.
When the city goes broke, we can sell the bridge and the metal tree in West Park (like Detroit threatens to sell its art).
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.
Detroit is not threatening to sell its art. The Emergency Manager, appointed by our inept Governor, is threatening to sell Detroit's art.
gloko
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
Fake trees. YUK! Why does A2 have a thing about NOT using local artists, contractors, etc? U of M hospital used Texas architectural firm, other 'art' pieces done by those out of state. Let's prioritize. Fix the roads to impress visitors, not put up fake art! What a waste of money!!!
a2cents
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.
attend one of many meetings on subject? (not)
Richard
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
Difficult to look at art along the road when me and my car are being shaken by potholes and bumps. Hard enough to keep the huge bumps like the ones at Eastbound Huron and First Street from pushing my car into another lane.
a2cents
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 2:01 a.m.
Long way from huron & 1st, methinks and Sate smooth (only) here. Consider: cagers waiting for trains, peds & cyclists etc.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
I thought all of the presented pieces for this location were weak. I would vote to gift it more time, for more submissions. The area under the underpass will be dark most all the time, so the ability to see the art will be limited. It needs some decoration, though I'm not sure this is it. Especially at the cost. An the risk of tagging.
medgar
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
I think it would be great if these panels can protect pedestrians from passing traffic; the sidewalks on the bridge are narrow.
a2cents
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 1:57 a.m.
Wider & you'd complain about the cost thereof... they're fine. Remember to deflect the whizzing cycles into the bike lane where they belong.
MichU
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:55 p.m.
This is interesting. What I don't understand is that after a year of building the bridge and repairing E. Stadium, the road in front of Crisler and the Big House on Stadium is riddled with pot holes. Whose responsibility is this? Keeping the roads up should be a priority. It's less glamorous but necessary.
Thomas Jones
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.
Gross!
KateT
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
About the "constant reminder of winter", have you ever noticed that with trees leafing in May, and the leaves falling in October, bare branches are roughly the "norm", or at least 6 months a year? Last "season" we had so many lovely days of turquoise skies as a great backdrop for the silhouettes of trees. Quite lovely in its own way. That said, I can think of better uses for the money.
murphthesurf
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:31 p.m.
they can't be serious can they? why not use the money to re-pave the road between the bridge and main st.? its in terrible shape and with the start of the football season starting in a few weeks it will only get worse !!
a2cents
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 1:54 a.m.
Helps reduce speed, nothing else works.
Floyd R. Turbo
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:07 p.m.
phillycheesesteak and murphthesurf nailed it! That 3/4 of a mile stretch from Main to the bridge is horrible, and our streets reflect what type of nuts we have in local office and their gross mismanagement of tax dollars !
PhillyCheeseSteak
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
The condition of our streets is an embarrassment. How can we be a "cool city" with Third World Roads?
Howard Beale
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
The City of Ann Arbor...27.7-square miles surrounded by reality.
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
May not be new but unfortunately it is true.
snark12
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
Wow, I hadn't heard that one before. /s
A A Resident
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
"City officials said the artist's proposed concept — "Arbor Winds" — was supported by community feedback conducted by the Public Art Commission" __________________________ Hmm, I wonder what they're using as their source of "community feedback"? It's certainly not this forum! Someone needs to attend their next meeting, which is open to the public, and read this entire thread to them. If no one else volunteers, maybe I'll do it. How about if a few of us do it together though? That sound like more fun!
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
I really do not understand why some people feel entitled to have their own ideas, values, and desires funded by the community as a whole. So one will have to explain that odd viewpoint. It seems awfully self-centered and selfish to me.
KMHall
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
cfsunlet Absolutely. Offering a public comment section is a nice idea. People can share ideas and vent. It seems here, sometimes, that five or ten negative people somehow make themselves feel that their views are that of the majority. They encourage each other to "votes these guys out" but they are preaching to the choir. There are many more of us out here who feel very differently about Ann Arbor.
A A Resident
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:43 p.m.
Cfsunset, I like art OK. In fact, I like it enough that I'm a successful professional artist/artisan. This doesn't mean that I think money should be squandered on it, or spent thoughtlessly. My opinion, and my main objection is that they could fund many decent art installations with that money, rather than spending it all on just one. Clownfish, I wasn't aware of the public meetings. I'm just an artist, and don't stay up on stuff that much I guess.
clownfish
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
They did hold public meetings. Where were you? Too busy posting on a blog your outrage over people not taking part in government?
cfsunlet
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
This forum is always filled with the same 20 or so negative people who repeatedly express negative opinions, don't like art, and don't support any government spending. I get the feeling it is far from representative of the Ann Arbor community at large.
TryingToBeObjective
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
They tracked down and talked to the two people in the entire town that like it, and called them "the community."
dregola
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:19 p.m.
I am all for publicly funded works of art, but I wish they had made an effort to hire a local artist or at least somebody based in Michigan. We need to keep our tax dollars in the state.
pegret
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
You've got that right, Usual Suspect.
Usual Suspect
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
Local artists know they would be wasting their time submitting anything to these clowns.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:47 p.m.
The process is open to everyone. Submitting a formal project proposal is hard work and apparently nobody local wanted to do that work.
Kafkaland
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
I actually can get on board with this one. It makes an otherwise urn appealing concrete landscape more attractive. Unlike the project at the cascades, which are fine as they are.
Nerak
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.
Outstanding choice. It would be really cool if there were a way to change the colors during the fall so it looked like leaves changed.
Goober
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
Tagging artists will gladly change the colors of this art once installed.
Brad
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:04 p.m.
Like one of those 60s-era colorwheels you used with your aluminum Xmas tree.
Kevin McGuinness
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : noon
Hard to believe the city is planning to spend this money while dead trees blight public easements -- where are their priorities?
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:36 p.m.
Money is money KMHall. It all comes from the taxpayer.
KMHall
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:56 p.m.
Kevin Different monies.
Brad
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:04 p.m.
Those real trees are too high maintenance. We're going with "art trees" instead.
tom swift jr.
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
What a target for the taggers... Cut the price to $100,000 for the art work, use the other $260,000 to hire a minimum wage security guard for five years or so to keep the spray cans and markers away from the art.
Brad
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:58 a.m.
Bye-bye, third of a million dollars. Is there anyone that truly thinks that is a good use of that money? Anyone??
Brad
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 9:39 p.m.
Lots of silent people. Yeah, sure. I bet that's why they finally killed of the percent (skim) for art program - because the demand was so strong.
KMHall
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.
Brad There are lots of people. They just don't engage in this comment business.
TryingToBeObjective
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.
Tano, since you are under the delusion it's a good use of money, how about you pay or cleanup every time it's tagged? I'd like my 3 bucks back.
Tano
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
Yes, I think it is a good use of money. I like the design. It works out to about a one-time cost of about $3 per resident. Thats less than what many people pay for one cup of coffee - about the cost of 1/3 of a sandwich at our iconic sandwich shop.
chapmaja
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
Nope
The Picker
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
Brad, I'm perplexed with your question. Do I vote you up to agree or down to agree? In any event I agree with you!
thinker
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:52 a.m.
Who is going to be able to appreciate this as we drive by? Should we all slow down, brake, park, get out of our cars to "ooh" and a"aah" over this?
CalmDown
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.
Getting out of your car every once in a while seems like an excellent idea.
Goober
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Yes, another waste of our money.
A A Resident
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:47 a.m.
Have they sought proposals from the U of M Art Department yet? If not, why? Too practical? Too inexpensive? Under the right circumstances, it might even be free. A student project overseen by faculty would fit the educational agenda; would be somewhat local; would have thematic ties with that main corridor to the Stadium.
cfsunlet
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
This wasn't a closed process, anyone could apply. If the expertise to do an installation piece (no small undertaking) exists within the faculty and they didn't apply, then shame on them to pass up this opportunity, right? But how is the selection committee to blame for that?
A A Resident
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10 a.m.
Cfsunlet, your last post seems to be based on a set of shaky assumptions. What I had in mind was a faculty-led project, not student-led. Don't you think the faculty might include at least a few experts? These are college students, some of whom are extremely talented, not three-year-olds playing with finger paints.
cfsunlet
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
@AA Resident: yes, this is something I have experience with, but it shouldn't take experience to come to this conclusion, just a little deeper thinking. I can't speak to your friend's situation, but, by their nature students are learning and, if your friend was being paid, they were an expert on something that others wanted to learn. Plus, a student-lead project is far different than an expert leading a project with students working on the team. Do you really want a public art project to be a trial-by-fire learning experience for someone?
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.
Anything that was free or inexpensive would not satisfy the vanity and egotistic needs of the local political elites and that is a central reason why we have such expensive city art projects.
KMHall
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
cfsunlet Thank you.
WestSideRaven
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:52 p.m.
Student Art... just... no.
A A Resident
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
Cfsunlet, are these things you actually know? An acquaintance of mine had the U of M pay him so students could work on his private project. That's right, they paid him!
cfsunlet
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
Just because a student makes the art doesn't mean it is free or even cheap. An experienced artist will have a better understanding of materials and installation cost. Plus student work is pretty esoteric and not likely to appeal to the average citizen.
Ross
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
Wow, that seems impossibly practical.
Karen
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:42 a.m.
Until the Democrats in Ann Arbor vote out the Democrat City Council, I don't see any way to get a change in behavior. You would think by this point they would at least hire some local artist, and scale down the budget to under $100,000.
BHarding
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
Today, Tuesday, I think is your chance to vote in a new council member! Vote for Jack Eaton.
The Picker
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:19 p.m.
They were born democrats and they will die democrats. Hopefully we won't die along with them.
Goober
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:46 a.m.
AA voters are apathetic. Voter turn out is normally very low. Until this changes and the bulk of registered voters get a snoot full, I have little faith anything will change.
Lightnin' Bug
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
For all those people complaining, stop VOTING theses people in!
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:28 p.m.
Please! the majority of Ann Arborites do not and never have voted in city elections. Left-wing special interests control this town lock, stock, and barrel.
KMHall
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:52 p.m.
Tano Thank you.
Tano
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:03 p.m.
The people complaining are not responsible for voting these people in. It is the majority of Ann Arborites who are doing that.
arborani
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Yes. Yes. Yes. PLEASE.
JenM
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:36 a.m.
I am not going to comment on the art aspect of this, except to say that it screams that we need to be taking care of the actual trees here in tree town. This feels a little like "paving paradise".
Tano
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3:01 p.m.
Hmmm Putting art on a preexisting bridge = "paving paradise"??? So the unadorned bridge = paradise? Art = paving?
Jack Gladney
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
Jen, you win the Joni Mitchell box set. That was my first thought.
Bcar
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
WHAT A CROCK OF..... $360k to an OUT OF STATE "artist" for a bridge?? Our roads are crumbling Mr. Mayor!!!!! Get your priorities straight!!!
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:20 a.m.
Don't forget about the $800,000 they decided NOT to return to its originating "buckets," but rather just to pay people and "administer" this atrocious failure of an art program. What an incredible waste of money this public art program has been, from the very beginning. What an insane waste of our hard-earned tax dollars. The public art program should be ended. Completely. The "commission" disbanded, and the attempts to continue to misspend our money stopped. Art is great. These people are TERRIBLE at picking it and really good at spending money on it. Hopefully today we'll get make a step towards one more small percentage of common sense on the council. Get out there and vote, people. PLEASE!
grye
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:14 a.m.
I'd like to see a break down of the costs. This seems to be rather expensive tile.
nunya
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:47 p.m.
It's priceless
Jack Gladney
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
Since they like to use out-of-stare talent, maybe the City Council can get a bid from Virginia Tile Company. They could save some money on the project and have enough left over to pay a part-tme night watchman to protect it until 2024.
Arboriginal
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:13 a.m.
Public. Art. Administrator.
nunya
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 3 p.m.
Exactly.
packman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:56 a.m.
Graffiti proof them please. Security cams? Consider also if the sun's reflection might cause problems for drivers, cyclists. Also believe this to be a colossal waste of money that is going to someone not from Michigan.
Major
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
Sun's reflection? Under a bridge?! Other than that I'm with you!
Arieswoman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:51 a.m.
Wonder how long before graffiti covers this expensive art?
Barzoom
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:39 a.m.
Another colossal waste of money that could better used elsewhere.
MRunner73
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
Couldn't have worded it better.
A A Resident
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:29 a.m.
Why a $360,000 depiction of trees, rather than real trees? What's the Art Commission's fixation with expensive fake trees, like the ugly metal ones in West Park?
Tano
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:57 p.m.
"Why a $360,000 depiction of trees, rather than real trees?" Real trees don't grow well on or under bridges, and they get in the way of the traffic.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
Fake trees do not need to be trimmed or removed by a city department that is under-funded and under-staffed.
The Picker
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
Don't forget the inverted Christmas tree in the Justice Center!
Arboriginal
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:13 a.m.
I know.
DonBee
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:21 a.m.
The "dead tree" project lives. No leaves, no local artist, a constant reminder of winter. Goodie.
NoPC
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 3:15 p.m.
It would have been nice to have a local artist and, Yes, trees full of color would have been much nicer.
nunya
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:46 p.m.
Maybe we could contract an add-on to the project for a quarterly update at an additional $360,000 each where the artist will change the seasons on the trees.
Halter
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:19 a.m.
This is nice. It looks attractive; the materials being used are nice; and its not some ridiculous modern art piece stuck on the side of the road. Congrats to artist Widgery.
motorcycleminer
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 10:16 a.m.
It at least looks better than the " tongue depressor " but what an abject waste of $$$$$...this will become the taggers " holy grail " ..only in Oz...
Roger Kuhlman
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 3:58 a.m.
Having all taxpayers pick up the cost for a piece of public Art is a necessary expression? Who says and why? Maybe I could suggest other types of necessary expressions that I like that would cost the taxpayers money. So how about paying for them too!
Sam S Smith
Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
clownfish, the cities you list that have % for art funds, are their art funds from embezzled funds?
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:59 p.m.
How do the other cities "not compare" to Ann Arbor?
nunya
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 11:41 p.m.
@clownfish, you listed some major cities that do not compare to Ann Arbor, a few states (again not apples to apples), one city that is in another country and a private university that does not even have taxing authority. So while I appreciate the attempt to make an argument for the practice of a % for public art program, I can't understand how this correlates to Ann Arbor's program. Anyone have a better list?
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
Public art is neither vanity, nor luxury. It's expression - a necessary component of any culture.
Roger Kuhlman
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 8:21 p.m.
What about having a city that values simplicity and frugality instead of vanity and luxury?
Brad
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
"I think you missed the part that the money is from a specific section of the budget and cannot be used elsewhere. " That's funny because that is EXACTLY what the percent for art program was - skimming money from specific millages and using them elsewhere. You have it backwards.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:12 p.m.
I think you missed the part that the money is from a specific section of the budget and cannot be used elsewhere. So, it's not "wasting money". It's spending money to beautify an otherwise dreary aspect of modern infrastructure.
Usual Suspect
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 5:05 p.m.
We are in trouble if wasting public money is considered "cultured and modern."
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 4:36 p.m.
"But mom, everyone else is being cultured and modern!" "No, you have to stay stuck in the gray, concrete world of the 1900s where the closest thing to public art are the commercial billboards for Cracker Barrel and McDonalds!"
Usual Suspect
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
"Many cities have % for art programs." "But mom, everybody else is doing it!"
clownfish
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
Other places with % for Art programs. Boulder, Bolton Kansas City Philadelphia Maine, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Minnesota, Chapel Hill, Ohio, Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Palm Desert, New Haven, Toronto, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Roanoke, Virginia
clownfish
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 1:31 p.m.
Actually, this stuff goes on all over the place. Many cities have % for art programs. There are exits at the north, south, east and west of Oz if you find your stay here to terrible to endure.
Ross
Tue, Aug 6, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
That is the sad truth. I hope these surfaces are easy to clean and strong enough to withstand repeated scrubbings.