HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-A11 1 0~
Memorandum
~ ~HICTo~
To: Councilmember Lynn Norman, Chair, Downtown Redevelopment Committee
Councilmember Nancy Backus, Vice- Chair, Downtown Redevelopment
Committee
Councilmember Rich Wagner, Member, Downtown Redevelopment Committee
From: Maija McKnight, Arts Coordinator
CC: Mayor Pete Lewis
Date: April 19, 2011
Re: Clean Sweep Projects -Public Art
Background Information
Incoordination with Clean Sweep 2011 the Cultural Arts Division is managing two
separate projects that will result in public artwork in downtown Auburn.
These two projects are being funded through Community Based Services Grants and
will include public participation and volunteer assistance.
Clean Sweep is a yearly event that involves over 500 volunteers that work toward the
beautification of Auburn. Coordinated by the City, the event connects volunteers with
various projects around the downtown core and other areas of the City.
Proiect Descriptions
1. Utility Box Mural
This project will involve volunteers led by an artist that will modify the exterior
appearance of the metal signal boxes throughout the downtown core. Twelve boxes
will have a vinyl pattern applied and become a unique artwork that is distinctive and
is an additional visual connection to identify the downtown area.
The vinyl will be three tones and bean organic pattern. There will be three or four
different patterns that will be repeated on the 12 boxes. The vinyl material will be
reflective so will appear different in the daytime and nighttime when illuminated by
headlights from cars. The design review through the Public Art Committee of the
Arts Commission sought to have the design complement the recent development
and have a classic yet unique appeal.
Clean Sweep has become an annual favorite, and having a project that has a lasting
visual product allows the volunteers to continue to `see' the work that they helped do. The vinyl application of a pattern on metal signal light boxes is a innovative and
unique strategy to incorporate art into everyday utilitarian object that are a part of our
built environment.
This project is lead by artist Rachael Dotson.
2. Painted Mural Project
In 2010 a mural was painted as part of Clean Sweep that now is installed and on
view on the outside wall of the Auburn Avenue Theater. With this success, plans
are being made to create another mural that will be on view on a prominent
downtown building.
Artist Mauricio Robalino was selected by the Public Art Committee and has worked
with the committee to develop a design. The mural will be painted with volunteer participation.
The mural will be located on the South wall of Gosanko's Chocolate located at 116
'A' Street Southeast.
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