Public art initiative set to transform Red Bank streets

In a recent meeting, the Red Bank City Commission discussed a significant step towards enhancing public art in the community by considering a resolution to fund the first phase of a utility box art installation project. This initiative, spearheaded by the Public Art Citizens Advisory Board, aims to beautify four highly visible traffic control signal boxes throughout the city.

Director Johnson provided an overview of the project, which began with the establishment of the advisory board in August 2022. The board's responsibilities include identifying suitable locations and themes for public art while ensuring adherence to the city's procurement procedures. Johnson emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds, noting that the process has been thorough but slow.

The proposed resolution outlines the selection of four artists and their designs, which were chosen from a competitive pool of 19 submissions. The selected artists and their respective installations include Amanda Brazier's \"Call and Respond\" at Dayton Boulevard and Hedgewood, Andy Kerr's \"My Backyard Birds\" at Dayton Boulevard and Signal Mountain Road, Jessalyn Beasley's \"A Walk to Stringer's Ridge\" at Dayton Boulevard and Morrison Springs, and Karen Estes's \"Mysterious Little White Bird\" at Dayton Boulevard and Memorial.

The total cost for the project is capped at $5,200, which includes $3,121 for printing and installation, along with a $500 stipend for each artist. Although this project is not budgeted and lacks grant funding, it is seen as a foundational step that could help the advisory board secure future grants by establishing a successful portfolio.

Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the project, particularly noting that two of the artists are local residents. The board plans to promote the installations through various channels, including social media and newsletters, to celebrate the new public art in Red Bank. The resolution is set for a vote, with hopes that it will pave the way for more artistic endeavors in the community.