Item 11 - AIPP - Longhorn Dam Bridge _ Reginald Adams - Presentation.pdf — original pdf

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•Project: Longhorn Dam Bridge •Artist: Reginald Adams •Phase: Final Design •Project Budget: $190,000 •Council District: District 3 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens •Sponsoring Department: Transportation & Public Works Arts Commission Date: 01/27/2025 Longhorn Dam Bridge Project Background The Transportation and Public Works Department has partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department and Capital Delivery Services to develop a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Lady Bird Lake near the Longhorn Dam. Through community engagement, a "wishbone" shaped bridge was chosen to connect the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at Longhorn Shores, Canterbury and the Holly Peninsula in Town Lake Metropolitan Park. The bridge will provide an alternate option to the sidewalk on Pleasant Valley Road and fill a gap on the Butler Trail. This project began construction in early July 2024 and is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2026. Community feedback requested AIPP artwork be installed in the new Pleasant Valley Underpass that connects the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Country Club Creek Trail, and Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park. Final Design Presentation by Reginald C. Adams Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge Longhorn Dam Bridge Mosaic Mural Community Engagement Report Introduction The community engagement process for the “Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge” mural project aims to actively involve local residents in the design and concept development. Through workshops and feedback sessions, we gather diverse perspectives to ensure the mural reflects the community’s collective identity and values. Community Engagement Activities 1. Community Engagement Session 1 (July 17, 2024): • Location: Rudy Mendez Recreation Center. • Activities: Introduced the project and gathered initial ideas through brainstorming sessions and surveys. • Outcomes: Collected 19 responses emphasizing themes of equality, diversity, and community unity. 2. Community Engagement Session 2 (October 8, 2024): • Location: Rudy Mendez Recreation Center. • Activities: Presented refined design concepts based on community feedback. • Outcomes: Valuable feedback on cultural representation and historical elements informed the final design iterations. 3. Fabrication Workshops (March 2025 - August 2025): • Activities: Engaged community members in hands-on mosaic fabrication sessions to promote skill development and ownership of the project. • Outcomes: Strengthened community ties and deepened investment in the mural. 4. Installation Activations (December 2025): • Activities: professional artist team commence installation of artwork. • Outcomes: Completion of the final work. Artist’s Statement The “Absolute Equality:Unity Bridge” mosaic mural is designed to celebrate the overarching ideals of equality, unity, and community empowerment. Situated within the Longhorn Dam Bridge pedestrian tunnel, this artwork will serve as a vibrant representation of Austin’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. By visually narrating the journey toward equality, the mural will inspire dialogue and reflection among viewers, fostering a deeper sense of connection within the community. Themes The theme of Absolute Equality emphasizes the celebration of diversity and the ongoing pursuit of inclusion and equality within the community. The mural will visually narrate the journey toward equality through a rich tapestry of imagery that honors key highlights from the 19 survey responses, including: • Cultural Diversity: Representing various cultural backgrounds in Austin, showcasing local figures, traditions, and symbols that reflect the community’s rich heritage. • Local History: Depicting significant historical moments and landmarks, particularly those related to East Austin, to honor the area’s past and its evolution. • Nature and Environment: Incorporating local flora and fauna to emphasize the connection between the community and its natural surroundings, highlighting themes of conservation and sustainability. • Music Heritage: Celebrating Austin’s identity as the “Live Music Capital of the World” by featuring elements of the city’s vibrant music scene and its historical venues. • Social Justice and Activism: Illustrating historical movements and contemporary efforts advocating for equality, representing the community’s resilience and commitment to social change. Through these elements, the mural will create a powerful visual narrative that fosters dialogue and reflection, inspiring viewers to connect with the themes of unity, empowerment, and shared responsibility in the ongoing journey toward equality. Proposed Form The artwork will consist of an immersive installation featuring a painted mural on the 16’ x 100’ ceiling of the tunnel, complemented by two mosaic murals, each measuring 4’ x 100’, adorning the left and right sides of the tunnel’s interior. This design will integrate patterns, symbols, and figures that represent equality and unity, creating a seamless flow that engages pedestrians and cyclists as they traverse the space. Additionally, custom handmade ceramic tile handprints collected from local community engagement workshops will embellish the outer lip of the tunnel on both sides, serving as a visual marker that welcomes individuals before they even enter the tunnel. This element highlights community participation and investment, reflecting the diverse voices and stories of Austin’s residents. Community Engagement Emphasis At the heart of this project is a commitment to community engagement. Reginald Adams and his team will work alongside local artists and community members throughout the production phase, co-fabricating portions of the mosaic murals and creating the painted ceiling mural. This collaborative approach not only empowers participants but also fosters a deeper connection to the artwork, ensuring it authentically represents the community’s spirit and heritage. Location The mural installation will transform the interior of the Longhorn Dam Bridge pedestrian tunnel into an inspiring artistic experience, enriching the journey for all who pass through and celebrating the community’s diverse narratives. Proposed Materials • Paint: High-quality, weather- resistant paint for the ceiling mural to ensure vibrant colors and longevity. (16’x100’) • Glass Tiles: Providing vibrancy and reflectivity, enhancing the visual impact of the mosaic murals. (4’x100’) • Porcelain Tiles: Durable and suitable for outdoor settings, ensuring longevity against environmental elements. • Handmade Ceramic Tiles: Custom tiles created by community members, featuring handprints and designs that add a personal touch to the installation. Proposed Artwork Mosaic Murals Dimensions: 4’H x 100’L Dimensions: 4’H x 100’L Painted Murals Dimensions: 16’H x 100’L Dimensions: 16’H x 100’L Proposed Materials • Paint: High-quality, weather- resistant paint for the ceiling mural to ensure vibrant colors and longevity. (16’x100’) • Glass Tiles: Providing vibrancy and reflectivity, enhancing the visual impact of the mosaic murals. (4’x100’) • Porcelain Tiles: Durable and suitable for outdoor settings, ensuring longevity against environmental elements. • Handmade Ceramic Tiles: Custom tiles created by community members, featuring handprints and designs that add a personal touch to the installation. Artist Statement for the UnityBridge: Painted Mural This painted mural, inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature’s cycles, represents the transition and changing of the seasons, capturing the essence of growth, transformation, and community collaboration. This artwork will serve as a vibrant reflection of our environment, reminding us of the interconnectedness between nature and the community we inhabit. The mural’s design showcases a stunning gradient of colors that symbolize the seasonal shifts—from the vibrant warmth of summer, through the rich tones of autumn, to the cool tranquility of winter and the renewal of spring. Each color, each brushstroke, tells a story of nature’s resilience and adaptability, mirroring the diverse experiences of the people in our community. As we embark on this collaborative journey, we invite local residents to become co-creators of this mural. Through hands-on workshops, participants will engage with nature, exploring the flora that defines our surroundings. They will contribute their artistic expressions, adding their own unique touches to the mural, which will include nature- inspired prints and patterns representing local plants and flowers. This mural is more than just an artistic endeavor; it is a celebration of community engagement and inclusivity. By incorporating the voices and talents of individuals from various backgrounds, we create a space that honors our shared heritage and promotes a sense of belonging. Each contribution reinforces the message that every member of our community plays an essential role in shaping our collective identity. The painted mural will also serve as a visual testament to the changing seasons and their significance. Just as the landscape transforms throughout the year, so too do our lives and communities. This mural aims to capture those moments of transition, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the beauty of growth and change. In this way, the mural embodies the spirit of unity, creativity, and resilience that defines our community. Together, we will create a lasting legacy that not only beautifies our environment but also inspires future generations to appreciate the cycles of nature and the importance of collaboration in nurturing our shared spaces. Proposed Materials • Paint: High-quality, weather-resistant paint for the ceiling mural to ensure vibrant colors and longevity. (16’x100’) • Glass Tiles: Providing vibrancy and reflectivity, enhancing the visual impact of the mosaic murals. (4’x100’) • Porcelain Tiles: Durable and suitable for outdoor settings, ensuring longevity against environmental elements. • Handmade Ceramic Tiles: Custom tiles created by community members, featuring handprints and designs that add a personal touch to the installation. Artist Statement Unity Bridge: Daytime Mosaic Mural This Unity Bridge day time mosaic mural is a vibrant expression of community, diversity, and the rich cultural heritage that defines Austin, Texas. Each element within the artwork is intentionally designed to weave together the stories and experiences of the individuals and families that make up our city. The central figures reflect the joy and resilience of the community, showcasing a diverse range of individuals who embody the spirit of togetherness. Their smiles and interactions speak to the connections we share, emphasizing the importance of unity in a culturally rich landscape. Surrounding them are elements of nature, including the vibrant yellow roses and colorful fruits, symbolizing growth, abundance, and the natural beauty of our environment. The inclusion of local wildlife, such as the deer and Texas Horned Lizard, Bevo the Longhorn Steer, highlights the coexistence of nature and urban life, reminding us that our city is not only shaped by its people but also by the ecosystems we inhabit. The circular portraits encapsulate moments of joy and community engagement, celebrating the love and pride that residents have for their culture. This mural serves as an invitation for all who view it to reflect on their own stories and contributions to the community. It embodies the essence of Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge, representing a collaborative effort to create public art that resonates with every individual. Through this work, we aim to foster connections, celebrate diversity, and remind ourselves that our strength lies in our unity. As viewers engage with this mosaic mural, I hope they feel inspired to become part of the ongoing narrative that defines Austin—one that celebrates inclusivity, creativity, and the shared journey of our community. Artist Statement Unity Bridge: Nightlife Mosaic Mural This mosaic mural serves as a vivid representation of the duality of life in Austin, capturing the essence of both day and night through a rich tapestry of color and storytelling. Titled Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge, it reflects the community’s vibrant spirit, showcasing moments of connection, joy, and unity that resonate deeply with the diverse populations of our city. On the left, we see the warmth of daytime, symbolized by the bright sun and the lively interactions of families and friends enjoying the outdoors. The circular vignette depicting a gathering under the expansive sky highlights the importance of community and shared experiences. It serves as a reminder that our collective strength lies in these bonds, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness. As the mural transitions into the night, we are greeted by a magical landscape illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. This segment celebrates Austin’s dynamic nightlife, filled with music and dance. The joyous Country Western dancers embody the traditional spirit of Texas, their movements reflecting the rhythm and energy of the city. Nearby, mariachis strumming their guitars add a vibrant Mexican influence, showcasing the rich cultural heritage that defines our community. The colorful Folklorico dancers, adorned in their traditional costumes, further enrich the mural, symbolizing the diverse traditions that thrive within Austin. Their graceful movements capture the beauty and vibrancy of cultural expression, emphasizing the unity found in our differences. As the scene continues, we witness Jazz and Blues musicians sharing their passion, filling the air with soulful melodies that resonate deeply within the hearts of many. This fusion of musical styles not only celebrates our artistic diversity but also reflects the community’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural exchange. The owl soaring across the sky serves as a guardian of the night, representing wisdom and the beauty of nature that exists in harmony with our urban environment. The flowing waters depicted in this section further symbolize the connection between the community and the natural landscape, reminding us of the importance of nurturing our ecosystems. Overall, this mural is not just a visual feast; it is an invitation for viewers to engage with the stories it tells. Each tile is a piece of our shared narrative, and together they embody the spirit of inclusion, cultural diversity, and equality. Through Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge, we celebrate the rich heritage of Austin while emphasizing our shared responsibility to foster connections and build bridges within our community. As you engage with this mural, I hope you feel inspired to contribute your own story, recognizing that every voice adds to the beauty of our collective experience. Let us unite in our differences, finding strength and joy in our shared humanity. Proposed Materials • Paint: High-quality, weather- resistant paint for the ceiling mural to ensure vibrant colors and longevity. (16’x100’) • Glass Tiles: Providing vibrancy and reflectivity, enhancing the visual impact of the mosaic murals. (4’x100’) • Porcelain Tiles: Durable and suitable for outdoor settings, ensuring longevity against environmental elements. • Handmade Ceramic Tiles: Custom tiles created by community members, featuring handprints and designs that add a personal touch to the installation. Design Process Reginald Adams will utilize the themes highlighted in the community survey as a foundation for developing scaled designs and renderings for the mosaic and painted murals. By integrating the community’s input, he aims to create artworks that reflect local values, history, and aspirations. The design process will involve translating these themes into visual elements, ensuring that each aspect resonates with the community’s identity. Once the initial designs are completed, they will be presented to community members for review and feedback. This collaborative approach not only fosters ownership and pride in the artwork but also allows for adjustments based on community insights. Following this iterative review process, finalized designs will be submitted for approval before moving into the fabrication phase. This commitment to community engagement ensures that the final installations are not only aesthetically compelling but also deeply rooted in the collective voice of the community. Community Engagement Reginald Adams and his team are dedicated to fostering community engagement by collaborating with local artists, such as J. Muzacz and The Mosaic Workshop. Through this partnership, they aim to involve community members and local artists in the co-creation of mosaic murals, ensuring that the artwork reflects the unique identity and spirit of the area. This inclusive approach not only enhances the artistic process but also strengthens community bonds, empowering individuals to contribute their creativity and stories to the final installations. Proposed Installation Method 1. Surface Preparation: Clean and treat the tunnel walls to ensure proper adhesion of the poly tab substrate. 2. Poly Tab Adhesion: Apply poly tab to the prepared surface, ensuring it is securely attached. 3. Painting Application: Paint the desired mural design directly onto the poly tab substrate, using weather-resistant paint to enhance durability. 4. Grid Method: Employ a grid system to accurately lay out the design for the mosaic tiles, facilitating the installation process. 5. Adhesive Application: Use a high- quality, weather-resistant thin set mortar adhesive to secure the mosaic tiles to the painted poly tab. 6. Grouting and Sealing: After installation, apply grout to fill gaps, followed by a sealant to enhance durability and weather resistance. Preliminary Timeline 1. Design Development (August - December 2024): • Conduct further community engagement sessions to refine design concepts based on survey feedback. • Create detailed sketches and mock-ups. 2. Fabrication (January - July 2025): • Production of mosaic elements in collaboration with local artisans and community members. • Host workshops to involve volunteers in the fabrication process. 3. Installation (December 2025): • Prepare the installation site, including surface treatment. • Install the mosaic mural, ensuring adherence and structural integrity. 4. Unveiling and Celebration (TBD 2026): • Host a community event to unveil the completed mural, celebrating the contributions of all involved. Proposed Budget Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge Longhorn Dam Bridge Mosaic Mural Join me on this creative journey to manifest the Absolute Equality mosaic mural at the Longhorn Dam Bridge. Together, we’ll celebrate our heritage, foster unity, and leave a lasting legacy. Let’s make art, history, and memories together! Thank you for the opportunity to share our vision with the city of Austin. Get In Touch www.ReginaldAdams.com ReginaldCAdams@gmail.com