Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Policy committee approves Joshua Weiner's stone sculptures for Central Recreation Center exterior
Summary
Aurora's policy committee approved a $220,000 public art installation by Colorado sculptor Joshua Weiner for the exterior park at the Central Recreation Center; pieces are carved from Colorado Yule marble and designed for interaction.
Aurora City Policy Committee members approved the Art in Public Places recommendation to install a set of stone sculptures titled For the Birds by Colorado sculptor Joshua (Josh) Weiner at the Central Recreation Center exterior park.
Roberta, presenting for Art in Public Places, told the committee the project budget is $220,000 from the public art reserve fund and that the selection panel received 249 applicants before narrowing the call to four finalists. She said Weiner, a Colorado artist raised locally, was selected and proposed curvilinear stone forms carved from Colorado Yule marble, with steel beaks, designed for visitors to sit on.
"They're really warm and whimsical and engaging," Roberta said, adding the largest piece stands just over 7 feet and the smaller pieces reach three to five feet at their highest points. She said each bird is several tons and does not typically require foundations beyond compacted subgrade; engineering drawings and permitting will be submitted as part of site work.
Roberta said the artist can begin fabrication immediately and store the finished pieces at his Boulder property until the park site is ready; storage costs would only apply if the installation schedule falls outside the contract window. She said site options include a location near the Great Lawn and a preferred location near a mini wetland and gazebo.
Council members raised questions about long-term durability and the possibility of relocating the heavy pieces if the park layout changes. Roberta said relocation is possible but would require engineering, specialized lifting equipment and additional cost.
Committee Chair asked for objections before approving the item; no committee members objected and the project was cleared to move forward from policy committee to the next steps in site permitting and installation planning.
No ordinance or additional city budget appropriation was requested at the meeting; funding was described as coming from the existing Art in Public Places reserve.
