Subject
title
Art in Public Places: College Gardens Park Mural
end
Department
City Manager's Office (CMO)
Recommendation
Approve the artwork for a mural for the exterior wall of the shelter at the College Gardens Park as
recommended by the Cultural Arts Commission as part of the Art in Public Places program.
Discussion
The City's Cultural Arts Commission and the Artist Nomination Committee (listed in Attachment A) recommend that the Mayor and Council approve the mural proposed by artist Andy Dahl (shown in Attachment A) for the College Gardens Park. The design celebrates College Gardens’ Park rich flora and fauna and the park’s role within the community as a place of respite and natural beauty.
In the artist’s design native flora and fauna are present, such as the Great Blue Heron (which was observed on the artist's site visit) and leaves of a native Red Maple tree. The design reflects responses to the Community Input Survey and the community’s interest in celebrating nature in the new mural. The leaves depicted shift from red to green, symbolic of the fall to spring change. The background colors represent a sunset and sunrise while portraying the cold winter to warm summer. The mural also features swallows which are both native and migratory--symbolic of the diversity of people that both belong to a place because they were born there or because they came there to make a new home. Swallows are known to feed above bodies of water and are highly social--fitting for a community park environment.
The nomination of Andy Dahl as the artist was based on a thorough and structured process (outlined in Attachment A) that included reviewing 37 artist applications, a community input survey, selection of a finalist, and a review of proposals from three finalists. The Artist Nomination Committee unanimously recommended Mr. Dahl’s proposal and the Cultural Arts Commission voted unanimously to support their recommendation. The Cultural Arts Commission supports the proposed design and recommends that the Mayor and Council award the $12,500 art commission to Mr. Dahl.
This project was funded in the FY2024 budget through the City's Arts in Public Places ordinance, which demonstrates the City's and the Mayor and Council’s commitment to promoting public art and cultural diversity.
Modifications to the artwork may be necessary based on the installation site. Adjustments to details or colors may be made by the artist to ensure the mural fits seamlessly into its surroundings. Design updates may also be made based on additional engagement the artist intends to do with the community. City staff will oversee changes to ensure they align with the original vision and enhance the artwork's impact and longevity, with the ultimate goal of creating a beautiful and inspiring piece of public art that reflects the community's values and can be enjoyed by visitors to College Gardens Park.
Members of the Cultural Arts Commission and the Artist Nomination Committee urge the Mayor and Council to approve the recommendations and move forward with the mural project. It will not only enhance the cultural landscape of the city but also provide a vibrant and meaningful representation of the community's values.
The proposed mural is an important step for the Cultural Arts Commission, Mayor and Council, and staff in their collective efforts to enhance the cultural landscape of our city. We encourage the Mayor and Council to approve the proposed mural, located in the College Gardens Park, and are thankful for their support for the growth of our artistic community.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating budget, including funding for this Art in Public Places mural in May 2023.
Public Notification and Engagement
A Community Input Survey regarding the proposed project was posted on the city’s website, on social media, and through Next Door, among other places in September 2023. City staff also posted postcards and posters onsite and at nearby locations and shared the survey with the College Gardens Civic Association. In November 2023, the City of Rockville posted a Request for Qualifications (Call for Artists) on the city’s website, on social media, and through local arts listservs to help identify an artist for this project. City staff also shared the Request for Qualifications with the College Gardens Civic Association. The College Gardens Civic Association was represented on the Artist Nomination Committee and has been updated regularly on the progress of this project, including most recently at their May 22, 2024 meeting (staff also attended their November 8, 2023 to discuss the project in its early stage).
Boards and Commissions Review
The Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was updated during the process and was represented on the Artist Nomination Committee.
The Cultural Arts Commission was updated and represented on the Artist Nomination Committee.
Procurement
The acquisition of works of art for public display is exempt from competitive procurement in accordance with the Rockville City Code; Chapter 17, Purchasing; Section 17-87. - Exemptions.; (12) Acquisition of works of art for public display.
Fiscal Impact
The funding for the project ($12,500) is allocated in the Art in Public Places (AIPP) account (350-900-7701-0208), which is the Special Activities Fund. The AIPP account is a restricted account dedicated to the acquisition of works of art.
Next Steps
Upon approval, staff will coordinate with the Procurement Department and the City Attorney Department to begin contract negotiations and issue a Purchase Order to the artist.