land studio workshop highlights proliferation of public art
When the nonprofit LAND Studio announced a workshop for artists who want to get into public art projects, enrollment quickly reached capacity. That's just one example of how interest in public art and creative placemaking has ramped up in communities across Cleveland.
The workshop promised to "demystify" the public art process through a keynote address by Seattle-based artists Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan; education on artist portfolios, calls for artists and developing competitive applications; and a closer look at artist presentations and how selection committees deliberate.
In her opening address, LAND Studio Project Director Tiffany Graham stated that public art is growing in Cleveland. Increasingly, developers see the value of integrating public art into projects, and community development officials, planners and public officials want to see public art and creative placemaking built into public projects. Public art can inspire further neighborhood investments.
Graham cited numerous examples such as the West 28th Street bridge mural, the Edgewater Hill bluebirds, Perk Park and the Warehouse District Anthology.
Haddad and Drugan gave an in-depth presentation on their public art installations in Seattle and across the country. They addressed such issues as conducting research, completing site-specific designs, working with contractors, tackling unforeseen technical issues, dealing with hidden costs and completing accurate estimates on complex projects. A few samples of their work are included below.
