I

Oounoil Eluffs' Public ArtRevolutionlThe lowa West Public Art Initiativeby Heather Akerberg I rendering courtesy of the Orpheum Theater

mazement and wonder fall over people's faces as they exit Famous Dave's nearMid-America Center in Council Bluffs. They become almost awestruck as theyaze at the giant aluminum figure before them. lt 's Molecule Man, one of three

sculptures of its kind in the world, by artist Jonathan Brofosky. The other two sculptures arein Los Angeles and Berlin. So, now you might be wondering, "Why Council Bluffs?"

"Quality of life is quality of place." That! the belief driving an ambitious public art program inCouncil Bluffs. lowa West Public Art (IWPA) is an initiative of the lowa West Foundation, a non-profitwhose goal is to improve lives and strengthen communities. In 2004 the Foundation gathered asteering committee, comprised of foundation and governmental representatives and citizent todiscuss possibilities for economic development. What emerged was a public art master plan.

"The big civic improvements, such as streetscapes, landscaping and corridor improvements,that we had been doing were very well-received by the community. I asked if anyone had everthought about public art as a compliment to that " said Todd Graham, executive director and CEOof the lowa West Foundation.

The foundation agreed with Graham that public art could not only change the landscape inCouncil Bluffs but would also enhance the lives of its citizens. With a background in urban plan-

ianuary/february 20Og I the encounter

ning, Grapham knew that creating a master plan for the city would

ensure long-term vision.The committee began compiling a list of the

top 50 potential sites for public art. The sites are spread throughout the

city, in hopes that art becomes an integral part of daily life.

After having identified Bayliss Park in downtown Council Bluffs as

their number one site, but with the plan still unfinished, the committee

was facdd with a decision. The old fountain in the park failed, and the

city was unsure of whether they would repair it or close it all together.

The committee saw this as an opportunity to partner with the city and

turn their plan into reality.

"lt was kind of risky," said Graham. "ls it smart to start offwith the

most important site in the city? lf we fail, the program is over. We were

nervout but it ended up well."

The selection panel, which consists of members of the community

and persons with curatorial and public art expertisg then began itsprocess to find the right artist. Starting with a pool of 15 artists, thepanel soon realized that there was a clear choice: Brower Hatcher, an

artist recognized as one of the best in the public art world.

"Browerwas a unanimous selection,"Todd said.

Hatcher created a new fountain, Wellspring, which stands more than

30 feet tall, and Oculus, a performance pavilion, as well as new seating,

landscaping and a children's area that features six cast bronze black

squirrels. Brower's work was unveiled during the rededication of Bayliss

Park in the spring of2007.

The best proof of its success is utilization of the park," said Graham.

With the success of their first project under their belt, the committee

then began work on the next project and the next and the next. To

date, six projects are complete, two are nearing completion, and still

others are in the planning stages.

Besides work by Hatcher, the public art collection includes three

sculptures, Haymarket Rabbits, by Deborah Masouka on Pearl Street

and three sculptures, Interstate, Circus, and Sunrise, by William King

near the Mid-America Center. Currently, two additional projects are

nearing completion at the Mid-America Center. One is an expansive

sculpture garden, which sits on 22,000 square feet of granite and will

showcase 21 works by Omaha's own Jun Kaneko. The other is Molecule

Man, a 50-foot-ta11,33,000-pound aluminum plate sculpture by Borof-

sky. The next project to begin construction is four massive sculptures

by artist Albert Paley, who is renowned for his abstract gateways.The

mixed metal pieces will rise 50 to 70 feet in the air from the four corners

of the 24th Street Bridge, which crosses Interstate 80. This western

gateway to the State of lowa will change the interstate landscape and

is sure to become a distinctive, talked-about landmark.

This innovative community-based public art program has accom-

plished a great deal in its first phase. The public art collection is a key

element, but their efforts don't end there. IWPA's website offers infor-

mation on each of the artistt an interactive map, photos of the collec-

tion, webcams, and resources for educators, including posters for each

of the projects complete with curriculum on the back.The lowa West

Foundation has also partnered with Artspace, a Minneapolis-based

non-profit, to create affordable housing for artists and their families.

the encounter Iianuary/february 2009 iq::,j

"QualtV of lfeis qualiV of place"

Bayliss Parkand

Haymarket Rabbits

Directions from Omaha: Take

Dodge Street to the l-480 onramP.

Follow Hwy 6 East to Council Bluffs'

which turns into Broadway. Continue

on Broadway until you cross the via-

duct. Once over the viaduct, stay on

Broadway by veering right and drive

This project is currently under construction in downtown council Bluffs

(www.artspace.org).

The goal is to make art part of dai! life in Council Bluffs' Want to

see what's happening on the east side of the river? Visit the website at

www.iowawestpublicart.org or use this mini-guide to create your own

Council Bluffs art tour.

102 Main Street. After viewing Haymarket Rabbits, stop by La Carreta

Rosa at 622 South Main Street. They offer authentic Mexican cuisine,

including Cocktail, a traditional Mexican dish made with octopus and

shrimp simmered in a tomato sauce.

Mid-America Center

Directions from Omaha: Take l-80 East into lowa and exit onto South

24th Street. Turn left on to South

24th Street and drive over the

bridge. Just past the bridge you will

see King's Interstate on the left, this

is Mid-America Drive. Turn left onto

Mid-America Drive and follow it

until you reach Convention Center

Blvd.Turn left and drive untilYou

reach the Convention Center. Park

in the parking lot on the left, and you will be in walking distance to Sun-

rise and Circus, Jun Kaneko's Sculpture Garden, and Molecule Man.

Explore the area: The Mid-America Center offers a variety of events,

including public ice skating in the winter (www.midamericacenter'

com). Also nearby is Horseshoe Casino and Bass Pro Shops, which has

several displays of taxidermy that are worth a view even if you're not an

outdoorsman.

Get a bite to eat lf you're looking for something extremely close, try

Famous Dave's. Other restaurants in the area include Ruby Tuesdays

and Quaker Steak& Lube. [In

a few blocks until you reach Pearl street. Turn right onto Pearl street.

Bayliss Park will be on your right after a few blocks. To see Haymarket

Rabbits, continue on Pearl Street for a few more blocks, and the sculp-

tures will be on your left.

Exolore the area: Visit Rock Speaks Studio (open by appointment

only), 109 Pearl Street, to see the work of local artist Margaret LaBounty

or stop by the Union Pacific Railroad Museum,200 Pearl Street'

Get a bite to eat: Consider getting take-out and enjoying it at one of

Bayliss Park's many picnic tables, weather permitting. Try Main Street

Caf6. a local favorite famous for their Meat Lovers Omelet, located at

Some locotion, Some owners, NEW NAI E!

Ready-to-wear Pieces, or we'llhelp you create Your own'

515 S. 13th . Old Market402-346-4367

ur

%m ianuary / february 2oog I the errcounter