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Arts Commission approves final design for Safe Alliance family-violence-shelter artwork by Felipe Gómez
Summary
Artist Felipe Gómez presented his community-engagement process and final concept for a steel sculpture titled "Perspective in Light" at a new Safe Alliance shelter; the commission approved the final design unanimously.
The Arts Commission approved the final design for an Art in Public Places project at Safe Alliance's family-violence shelter, featuring a public artwork by Felipe Gómez. The project is sponsored by Austin Public Health with a $70,000 AIPP project budget.
Gómez presented his final concept, "Perspective in Light," describing a community-engagement process in which he led painting, sculpture, poetry and journaling workshops with shelter residents. He said the workshops guided his design decisions on form, color and the sculpture's intended calming and contemplative function. "They said they wanted to have something that helped them feel safe and calm in their environment. They want art that inspired hope, strength, and growth honoring their resilience," Gómez said.
Gómez described the installed work as a set of layered steel forms — one 7-foot piece and two 6-foot pieces — with inner painted layers inspired by his layered wood practice. He said he intentionally removed integrated seating to avoid heat and safety concerns with steel surfaces in Texas and that workshop participants expressed a desire for an open, interactive piece that might also allow personal mementos.
Commissioners praised the community-engagement approach and studio practice. Commissioner Anderson moved to approve the final design; Commissioner Metairla (recorded as second) seconded the motion. The commission voted unanimously to approve the final design and scheduled staff to coordinate a dedication; staff said the install is expected in late July, with a public dedication to follow.
Action (vote): approval of final design for the Safe Alliance Family Violence Shelter AIPP project; motion by Commissioner Anderson, second by Commissioner Metairla; outcome: approved, unanimous.
