Item#11_ESBMACC Phase II_Artist Selection_Memo - Arts Commission.pdf — original pdf

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Artist Selection Memo to File Date: From: Copy: May 30, 2024 Artist Selection Panel (Jurors and Advisors): Nayeli Miranda (Arts Professional); Gerardo Genry (Arts Professional); Chale Nafus (Arts Professional); Claudia Zapata (Arts Professional); Connie Arizmendi (Arts Professional); Herlinda Zamora (PARD representative); Marie Ortiz (ESB-MACC representative); Bud Franck (JV Team representative); Heidi Tse (Capital Delivery Services). Art in Public Places Panel: Chair Stephanie Lemmo: Vice Chair J Muzacz: Arts Commission Liaison Monica Maldonado: Panel members Sarah Carr, Taylor Davis, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Lisa Woods. Subject: ESB-MACC Phase II AIPP Project – Selection Recommendation Background: AIPP panel approved a Request for Qualifications for the ESB-MACC Phase II AIPP Project on September 04, 2023. Notice of the public art opportunity was sent directly to eligible artists on November 6, 2023. The submission deadline was December 19, 2023. The Artist Selection Panel reviewed 19 artist applicants. The Jury was supported by staff Laura Odegaard, Cultural Arts Division Acting Manager; Frederico Geib, AIPP Project Manager; Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Project Manager; and Sean Harrison, AIPP Collections Manager. 1. Recommended Artist/Team: -Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel "Telley and Esquivel presented a robust community engagement vision that demonstrated their understanding of the ESB-MACC's mission and its relevance for Mexican Americans, Latinos and the public community at large. I enjoyed Telley and Esquivel’s approach and use of sustainable materials in their proposal and their interest in creating a piece that is universally accessible to all ages and can be interacted with in several ways. I also felt like Telley and Esquivel demonstrated a high level of sensitivity to the site and its long-term impact. " 2. Recommended Alternate: Oscar Alvarado "Oscar’s portfolio of large-scale sculptural work in a diversity of environments demonstrates his ability to effectively utilize the site to create a unique experience for the public. His architectural and cultural understanding is comprehensive and evocative. His extensive experience and excitement to work with the MACC’s public is well suited for this project. Recommended Artist Team: Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel CURRICULUM VITAE KATHERINE TALLEY Kat is a visual artist based in Austin, Texas, with a multidisciplinary background in graphic design, large-scale sculpture, and painting. Her creative journey is deeply rooted in her Mexican American heritage, influencing her work with vibrant elements from Hispanic culture and the southwest landscape of her hometown of El Paso. Kat’s portfolio features captivating large-scale sculptures and dynamic paintings, reflecting her passion for art and innovation. CONTACT www.andaughters.com @andaughters WORK EXPERIENCE 2017-2023 Artist, Fabricator, Sculptor, Sign Painter Flatfork Studio // Austin, TX 2023-Present Founder, Artist, Fabricator &daughters // Austin, TX SELECTED COMMISSIONS Feb 2019 Tiki Tatsu-Ya Dragon Fountain | Sculpt of Tiki Tatsu-Ya Dragon Fountain Blue Genie | Tiki Tatsu-Ya | Austin, TX April 2021 “Big Love” | 7’ Dog Sculpt, Project Lead, Finishing, and Paint Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA | San Mateo, CA July 2021 “In Space with Markiplier” | Prop Fabrication YouTube | Austin, TX Nov 2021 Gibson’s St. Bar Elf Shoe Sculpture | Sculpt, Paint,& Installation of Entryway Elf shoe Gibson’s St. Ba r | Austin, TX March 2022 Juiceland MLK Signage | Sculpt, Paint & Install Juiceland MLK | Austin, TX March 2022 Capital Factory | Mural Work SXSW X Capital Factory House | Austin, TX May 2022 “Disney Art From Private Collections” Fabrication Of Snow White’s Cottage | Tick Tock Sculpt, Paint & Install Arlington Museum Of Art | Arlington, TX June 2022 Be Kind Rewind | Interior Installation Build Out, Claw Machine Fabrication, Floatie Sculpt & Paint, VHS Wall Fabrication Be Kind Rewind | San Antonio, TX Aug 2022 Community Seed Pods | Seed Pod Sculpt, & Concrete Coating Dianne Sonnenberg | Austin, TX March 2023 COJO Boot Sculpture | Sculpt, Finish, & Paint of 5’ Boot Sculpture for Cody Johnson Moody Center | Austin, TX April 2023 Sign bar Signage Recreation | Recreation, Painting & Aging Of Shady Grove, Terminix, Nau’s Enfield Drug Signs Sign bar | Austin, TX April 2023 Sign bar Old Town Facade | Old Town Cedar Facade, Aging, Painting, Design & Signage Sign bar | Austin, TX May 2022 Poodle Dog Lounge | Project Lead, Design, Installation, & Signage Sign bar | Austin, TX May 2023 Community Garden | Consulting, Sign Painting, Retail Wall Build out, & Bar Resin Pour Community Garden | Austin, TX July 2023 Marlboro Sculpture | Fabrication, & Paint Private Omission | Austin, TX EDUCATION 2015–2017 Austin Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design RUBEN ESQUIVEL A R T I S T • C R E A T I V E WEBSITE Eastendeclectic.com Flora Y Fauna - Mural Commission- Story Built 145’ x 15’ PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Year: 2021  The Pillar Project - Mural Commission - Austin Parks Foundation Sage and Sonder - Mural Commission - Story built 30’ x 12’ SXSW Vesper - Mural Commission - 8’x8’ Capital Factory - Mural Comission - 50’ x 12’ Doodles House- Mural Commission - 130’x 15’ Cheeto‘s - Mural Commission - 150’x14’ Common Waters - Floating Wet Land Installation Lotus Flower Dreams - Private Commission - 50’x8’ Protectors of Red Bluff - Bolm Road Mural Project - 75’ x 9’ Weaving Wings - The Amli - Mural Commission - 35’ x 10’ Frida - Private Commission 7’x 7’ Jayce - Healing Uvalde Mural Project - 20’ x 22’ Lexi - Healing Uvalde Mural Project - 25’ 25’ Loma Vista Mural - FIO Agency 15’ x 15’ Gold Link - Amli Downtown - 45’ x 18’ - Mural Commission Akins - Amarte X Mexicarte - Mural Comission - 20’ x 65’ DDLM Live Paint - Smithsonian - 4’ x 6’ Sonadora de micelle - Peoples Gallery Exhibit - Selected Artist Houston Rodeo X Crown Royal - Creative Director (2) 24’ x 8’ Murals Xochiquetzal - Paint Jam - 8’ x 8’ Mural Cacti Sky - The Omni - Mural Commission 15’ x 30’, 35’ x 7’ Rotating Art install - Waterloo Greenway - (2) 6’ x 6’ Rotating murals Alma Ancestral - The Yard - Mural Comission - 70’ x 25’ Braze Pride - Braze - 2’x2’ Commission Hip Hop Lives - Boy City - 6’ x6’ - Mural Commission Old Austin - Per Stirling - 25’ x 10’ -Mural Commission Native American Heritage Bus Wrap Design- Capital Metro Kaleidoscope Dreams - CreekShow Installation - Waterloo Greenway Creek Show Title Piece Installation - Waterloo Greenway Huezo - DDLM Sculpture - Waterloo Greenway 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 ANSWERS to QUESTIONNAIRE: Short Answer Question 1: How does site-specificity inform your artistic practice and what inspires how you approach your work? Our creative process is influenced by the unique characteristics of the site. When we engage with a specific location, we let its environment, history, and cultural context guide our artistic decisions. It's not just about creating something visually appealing; it's about crafting a narrative that harmonizes with the space. We usually begin our process by doing site walks, so we can take in the environment, take measurements, and dimensions, and consider any constraints that might influence our artistic choices. These initial steps provide invaluable insights, guiding us on what we can craft within the given space. Inspiration for our approach comes from immersing ourselves in the intricacies of the site. Whether it's the architectural elements or the cultural significance of the surroundings, we draw from the essence of the place. This immersion sparks ideas and influences the elements of our work. Recognizing that each environment has unique characteristics and demands, we tailor our materials and design choices accordingly. It challenges us to think beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and create something that feels organic to the location. Our shared commitment to honoring cultural heritage serves as a driving force. The MACC's focus on Mexican-American, Native American, Chicano, and other Latin American cultures excites us. Kat draws inspiration from the arid landscapes of the Southwest and the vibrant tapestry of Mexican-American culture in her hometown of El Paso. Simultaneously, Ruben, a fifth-generation Austinite is inspired by the resilience of people of color and Indigenous communities within the city. Together, our collaboration aims to create an artwork that reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of the site, resonating with the community and adding meaning to the space. This project is an opportunity to blend our artistic vision with the cultural significance of The MACC, creating an experience that celebrates the cultural narrative ingrained in the location. Short Answer Question 2: What is your process of involving community to inform the outcome of your artwork. Our artistic process thrives on collaboration with the community, ensuring our artwork is a reflection of diverse voices and experiences. We deeply engage with the community, actively incorporating their thoughts into the project. This collaborative approach fosters meaningful conversations and builds trust, rooted in our commitment to recognizing the value of community input. Acknowledging the significance of community connections, we open doors for individuals to facilitate interactions, understanding that compensation may not be involved but ensuring their contributions are valued. To deepen our connection, we actively participate in local events, immersing ourselves in cultural gatherings to understand nuances and authentically reflect community values in our artwork. We can prioritize accessibility by creating online platforms for feedback, ensuring a broader reach beyond physical events. The final artwork is unveiled through public art installations, creating opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate the shared cultural narrative. The unveiling ceremonies often include cultural events, performances, and storytelling, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among community members. Through these collaborative efforts, our goal is to create an artwork that not only enhances the physical space but also serves as a meaningful reflection of the community's identity, history, and heritage of the local residents. Short Answer Question 3: Describe how your work could be forward looking while also provoking a sense of memory and legacy. As a team, our artistic approach to the Mexican-American Cultural Center project is a dynamic blend of forward-looking vision and a deep connection to memory and legacy. Inspired by the contemporary spirit of Mexican-American, Native American, Chicano, and Latin American cultures, we aim to create art that speaks to the present. Our individual skills and cultural echoes allows our work to transcend time, provoking both a sense of memory and a lasting legacy. Ruben's large-scale portraiture, inspired by the resilience of people of color and Indigenous communities, contributes to a forward-looking narrative. His vibrant visual storytelling becomes a bridge between the present and the enduring stories of cultural heritage. Kat, drawing from her graphic design background and sculptural expertise, innovatively shapes large-scale sculptures that evoke a profound connection to Mexican-American traditions. Her work, regardless of subject matter, carries a visual thread that ties back to her roots, adding depth and meaning to the contemporary context. Together, our collaborative projects become a testament to the enduring legacy of diverse narratives, creating art that not only resonates with the evolving spirit of our community but also provokes a profound sense of memory. Our creations intentionally use traditional and contemporary materials, we honor the site's historical significance to create a relationship between generations infused with cultural resonance and become living expressions that honor our heritage while embracing the forward-looking language of contemporary art. Short Answer Question 4: Describe how your work could be forward-looking while also provoking a sense of memory and legacy. As a team, our artistic approach to the Mexican-American Cultural Center project is a dynamic blend of forward-looking vision and a deep connection to memory and legacy. Inspired by the contemporary spirit of Mexican-American, Native American, Chicano, and Latin American cultures, we aim to create art that speaks to the present. Our individual skills and cultural echoes allows our work to transcend time, provoking both a sense of memory and a lasting legacy. Ruben's large-scale portraiture, inspired by the resilience of people of color and Indigenous communities, contributes to a forward-looking narrative. His vibrant visual storytelling becomes a bridge between the present and the enduring stories of cultural heritage. Kat, drawing from her graphic design background and sculptural expertise, innovatively shapes large-scale sculptures that evoke a profound connection to Mexican-American traditions. Her work, regardless of subject matter, carries a visual thread that ties back to her roots, adding depth and meaning to the contemporary context. Together, our collaborative projects become a testament to the enduring legacy of diverse narratives, creating art that not only resonates with the evolving spirit of our community but also provokes a profound sense of memory. Our creations intentionally use traditional and contemporary materials, we honor the site's historical significance to create a relationship between generations infused with cultural resonance and become living expressions that honor our heritage while embracing the forward-looking language of contemporary art. Recommended Alternate: Oscar Alvarado J • Currently in progress at • Three abstract steel lobby sculptures covered with mosaic Oscar Alvarado Selected Artist Resume -2023 Exterior mosaic installations Alamo Colleges District HQ San Antonio, TX Currently in design phase $30,000.00 To be installed Spring 2024 $49,500.00 -2023 Sculptures for 300 Main, San Antonio, TX studio. -2022 Sculpture for the Odessa Police Training Facility, Odessa, TX tile. -2022 Texas A&M University Main Hall Mosaic, San Antonio, TX with mosaic tile. Completed April 2022 $28,000.00 -2021 Texas A&M University Presidential Seal Mosaic, San Antonio, TX Installed Fall 2022 $30,000.00 Completed September 2021 $34,000.00 -2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Park Sign and Bench, San Antonio, TX porcelain tile. Completed Summer 2021 $20,000.00 -2020 The Rim Commons, San Antonio, TX with mosaic tile. September 2020 $200,000.00 -2019 Alamo Colleges District, San Antonio, TX $25,000.00 • Concrete sculptural benches covered • 14’ x 17’ mosaic map of the area. • Presidential seal created in • Concrete sculptural benches covered Completed • Concrete sculptural benches covered with mosaic tile. Installed July 2019 • Mosaic logo for amphitheater stage. -2017 World Heritage Mosaics, Windows to our Heritage, San Antonio, TX Installed/constructed on-site October 2017 - • Mosaic Column Enhancements at July 2018 $258,000.00 four freeway underpasses. • Artistic enhancement of 116 columns. -2016 Elmendorf Lake Park, San Antonio, TX -2015 Yanaguana Garden, Hemisfair Park, San Antonio, TX center plaza, bus stops and entry monuments. September 2015 $108,000.00 playground. • commissioned to tell the Payaya story of the Yanaguana. -2014 Hilton Palacio del Rio Murals, San Antonio, TX Installed/constructed on-site June - December 2016 $122,000.00 • Mosaic enhancements throughout the park including benches, Installed/constructed on-site April- • Mosaic benches and sculptures integrated into a Installed #1- December 2013, #2 -April 2014 $56,000.00 2013 King William Association River Walk Completed October 2013 Bench, San Antonio, TX scenes. -2013 Fort Worth Fire Station #5, Fort Worth, TX mosaic glass beads. Completed July 2013 $60,000.00 2013 Walters Street Streetscape, San Antonio, TX Arts. • Three mosaic murals, 35’ wide, 5’ tall total area. • Also created 3 steel and concrete mosaic benches. • Blue/Green Glass bead Paisley back, faux granite seat. • Steel, special concrete, • Public commission from competition by Fort Worth Public • two 14’ x 10’ mosaic murals. • San Antonio River Walk C ommission by Public Art San Antonio from competition. • N. Walters St. Streetscape from IH 35 to Fort Sam Houston. • 7 1-ton spheres -2013 Zarzamora Drainage, San Antonio, TX and 16 mosaic panels Completed June 2013 $64,600.00 • Completed May 2013 $129,400.00 2011 Mission Trail Baptist • Public art commission from Public Art San Antonio from competition. • Three 11’ tall 10’ wide, 2’ thick 3-ton billboard-like sculptures with vintage design plus Spanish Hospital, San Antonio, TX and English title translations on each side. Installed June 2011 $23,400.00 collaboration with landscape architect. • Scale map of historic San Antonio river and missions from 1764 map. -2010 Plano Animal Shelter, Plano TX Installed February • Seventy foot long, 4 foot wide undulating mosaic in the pavement. • Design 2010 $26,000.00 sculpture. Four-foot cat sculpture. • Steel-reinforced concrete covered with mosaic glass tiles. Answers to questionnaire: • Commissioned by Plano Public art from competition. • Six-foot dog Short Answer Question 1: How does site-specificity inform your artistic practice and what inspires how you approach your work? I have created over one and a half million dollars of public art weighing over eighty tons using steel and concrete as my structure with mosaic glass and tile covering the concrete. Each of the many public art installations that I have created were designed specifically for the site with form, function, and imagery that is related to the surrounding built environment with historic and cultural influences reflected in the design. For Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair Park in San Antonio, I was commissioned to create three flat-backed benches with hieroglyphic or cave-painting like mosaics on the backs that would tell the indigenous Papaya story of the Yanaguana, the San Antonio river. I met a few times with Several members of local Native American groups to hear the story in which the Papaya believed that the Anhinga was chased out of the Blue Hole by the Blue Panther creating the lush verdant Yanaguana. Rather than trying to depict the story with two dimensional hieroglyphic-like imagery, I proposed to have the three elements of the story each be represented separately, one element on each bench and the elements themselves would inform the shape of each bench. I designed the blue hole bench with the water flowing out using the symbol of Hemisfair ’68 extended 180 degrees and I drew the anhinga coming out of the back of the bench like a phoenix rising. The Blue Panther was originally to be a bench surrounding a rubber mound, instead I proposed and built a 12’ long climbable panther in the middle of the mound. This seven ton sculpture is one of the most photographed sites in downtown San Antonio and has helped to create a real sense of place alongside the Blue Hole and the Anhinga while sharing the Papaya story. Short Answer Question 2: What is your process of involving community to inform the outcome of your artwork. I have visited countless public art installations across our nation and have studied the successful ones and the ones that didn’t quite make the mark. I have studied scale, materials and considered surrounding spaces when viewing public art. Austin and the Colorado river are at the center of Texas with its unique story of settlement and confluence of cultures. I am an eighth generation Tejano directly descendant from Jose Antonio Navarro, my great great great great grandfather, who’s mother was born in Texas. All of the large scale public art work that I have created involved careful consideration of the site. I ask questions such as: Is it viewable from a vehicle? From how far away will it be seen? Are there some special spots far away to view it? Is it viewable up close in person? Is it viewable from above? Can you touch it? Can you sit on it? Is there a water component? Is there an electrical component? Will my work be in the open sun or will it be in some shade? Can it create shade? Will there be natural occurrences to consider like 100 year flood or extreme drought affecting the soil and footings? I use a local engineer to insure structural integrity and consult handicap accessibility professionals to meet codes and make considerations. I am inspired by the history of where I am to be creating art and by the chance to tell a story with my work and much of the history can inform the story. The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is a perfect place for the story of the Tejano to be told in three dimensional art by an eight generation Tejano such as myself in a medium that will last a millennium Short Answer Question 3: Describe how your work could be forward looking while also provoking a sense of memory and legacy. In the past I have asked the public to participate in some of my public art installations from the design input to actual hands-on work thereby creating a real sense of ownership of the public art by the public. For a triptych mosaic installation at Fire Station #5 in Fort Worth, I met with the local community three times after winning the commission and considered their input on some of the imagery that I was proposing. I adapted my design to deal with their concerns and received tremendous encouragement during the installation on site. For my very first public art commission by The Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi in 1999, I created a mosaic mural titled “Llave” where I embedded hundreds of keys that I collected into a mosaic mural for The Garcia Center for The Arts. I got these keys from Corpus Christi locals in a multi-day effort where I went up and down the streets of Corpus with a sandwich sign explaining my project and a coffee can in my hand to collect keys from passers-by. The idea was that the citizens hold the key to public art there. In an earlier answer I mentioned working with the Native American community in order to best tell their story. During that process I discovered that I am 18 ½% Coahuiltecan according to 23 and Me and I realized that their stories were my stories; they’re our stories. The Mexican American experience is the mestizo experience; we survived and thrived by mixing our blood. Short Answer Question 4: Describe how your work could be forward-looking while also provoking a sense of memory and legacy. I work in a medium that will last a millennium and I use colors and imagery to tell the stories. My creations are new and unique but I am often relating to something that has passed. When Public Art San Antonio was first created ten years ago I received a commission to adorn a stretch of road on the south side of San Antonio where a multi million dollar drainage project was underway. I created three two-ton sculptures placed on the public right of way adjacent to three bus stops that had no shelter. I made steel and concrete billboard-like sculptures that told three stories of me living on that part of town in 1968 with vintage-like imagery that transcended time. I used cues and colors from the past embracing old curves and patterns. Looking at it now, it’s hard to tell how old it is but the messages are still clear. Creating a sense of memory for our culture involves several of the senses and sculpture can play on what has been and where that is going. Traditional colors and materials can be combined to create a new image with an old message for all to come.