Commission recommends two AlphaLoop sculptures to city council

The Cultural Arts Commission voted unanimously to recommend two new public sculptures for installation along the AlphaLoop, both by artist Keaton Schilling and donated through the AlphaLoop Foundation. Commissioners moved and seconded separate recommendations for each piece. Commissioner Patel moved, and Commissioner Janae seconded, a recommendation for the Life Wheel sculpture; the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Janae moved, and Commissioner Patel seconded, a recommendation for the Completion sculpture; that motion also passed unanimously. Both works are fabricated from carbon (carbon) steel and are intended to develop a natural rust patina over time. The Life Wheel is a stationary steel wheel about 6 feet in diameter; with its pedestal it will stand about 9 feet tall, measure roughly 19.75 inches deep, and weigh about 150 pounds. Completion is approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, 24 inches wide and 12 inches deep, weighs about 400 pounds, and will be about 8 feet tall on its installed pedestal. The city will pay for permanent installation; the installer is the city-approved vendor that installs other sculptures on the AlphaLoop, and staff said the vendor will build customized bases and anchor the pieces to meet the city’s standards. The donor purchased the works and the AlphaLoop Foundation is coordinating placement with city staff. Commissioners asked about finish color, maintenance, wildlife interaction and whether pieces would encourage climbing. The donor prefers a natural, rustic patina; staff said paint could be considered after installation if visibility is an issue. The Life Wheel’s spirals are open to avoid water retention; staff said wildlife use would not be prevented. The installer provided anchoring details in the commission packet, and staff said the vendor is experienced in the city’s installation requirements. During the discussion commissioners and AlphaLoop Foundation representatives also said the foundation hopes to fund additional AlphaLoop public art, including a second bridge mural and a tunnel mural; funding for a tunnel mural would be costly and the foundation is prioritizing it for 2026.