Item 14 - AIPP Red Bud Isle - Artist Recommendation _ Presentation.pdf — original pdf

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•Sponsoring Department: Transportation & Public Works, Parks & Recreation •Project: Red Bud Isle •Artist: TBC •Phase: Artist Selection Recommendation •Project Budget: $625,000 •Council District: Districts 8 and 10 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens Arts Commission Meeting Date: 03/24/2025 Red Bud Isle Project Background Red Bud Isle is located off Redbud Trail between Lake Austin Boulevard and Stratford Drive. Red Bud Isle was formed in 1900 by the catastrophic collapse of the Great Granite Dam that contained Lake McDonald (now known as Lake Austin), killing several dozen people. Nearby is Tom Miller Dam that forms Lake Austin, the city’s primary source for drinking water. In 1940, the LCRA completed the dam as part of the Highland Lakes system, designed to manage floodwaters and bring electricity to the Texas Hill Country. Previous attempts to control the extreme flows of the Colorado had failed. In both 1900 and 1915 previous dams were devastated by floods. Granite boulders from those structures can still be found on Red Bud Isle. The Redbud Trail Bridge Project has been years in the making and is the result of increasing strains on the bridge due to flooding, population growth, the number of vehicles on the road and heightened use. The bridge, built in 1948, does not meet current roadway standards for traffic volume, bicycle and pedestrian amenities. The bridge is also nearing the end of its operational life. Construction of the new bridge is designed to handle current-day loading conditions, increasing vehicular traffic, and increased safety and multi-modal transportation options for bicyclists and pedestrians. The community stated a preference for artwork inspired by the history and nature of the site. Artists familiar with local ecology and/or the Red Bud Isle user community are highly encouraged to apply. Potential artwork locations are designated above, as well as other possible locations. Artwork may be considered for the bridge itself, however artwork may not pose any obstructions that block views of the water, impacts sight distance, interferes with pedestrian and vehicle activity, or the utility grate. AIPP in the area Red Bud Isle Budget – $625,000 Sponsor Department – Transportation & Public Works Selection Criteria • Technical quality and aesthetic appeal of Artwork Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public past work • Dedicated and consistent artistic practice • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability and enthusiasm to engage the community in which the artwork will be installed • Experience with public art projects of a relatively similar size and scope understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places Links together the varied historical stories about the island including the nearby dam, the flooding, and the current use of the site as a dog park • Creates a peaceful, calm and serene setting for visitors of all ages and species Integrates with surrounding rocks, trees, water, foliage, fish, biodiversity and all the beautiful natural surroundings Is accessible physically and conceptually by visitors of all ages and abilities to the park Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years • • • • • Red Bud Isle Application Results  46 applications were received  AIPP Staff determined 36 applications were eligible Selection Panel Voting Panelists  Ernesto Hernandez – Austin Artist, AIPP artist (https://ernesto.media)  Paloma Mayorga – Austin Artist (http://www.palomamayorga.com/)  Katie Stahl – Austin Curator (https://www.sagestudioatx.com/who-we-are)  Maryam Taghavi – Artist (https://www.maryamtaghavi.com/about)  Elizabeth Williams – Austin Fabricator (https://www.ten400.com/about-us) Selection Panel Non-voting Advisors  Dion Kauffman – Tarrytown resident  Taylor Davis – AIPP Panel Liaison  Paulinda Lanham – Sponsor Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services  Ah Young Seo – Engineer C, Transportation & Public Works  Reynaldo Hernandez – Project Manager, Parks & Recreation Selection Results  Wednesday, December 18, 2024, selection panelists were given access to review and score applications on PublicArtist.org  Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the selection panel met for 4 hours and determined Emily Eisenhart, Wevolve, Philippe Klinefelter, and Steven Parker, as finalists to submit concept proposals and participate in interviews.  Thursday, February 13, 2025, selection panelists were given concept proposals to review from the four finalists  Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the selection panel met for 4 hours to interview the four finalists and determined one recommende d artist, and one recommended alternate. Recommended Artist – Emily Eisenhart Emily's presentation blew me away. The level of detail and information was incredible. Her proposal hit the nail on the head, meeting, if not exceeding the brief. I look forward to seeing this piece when completed. - Elizabeth Williams Emily's proposal reflects an understanding of and appreciation for the site, a genuine excitement for community engagement, a nd a desire to call attention to and enhance, rather than distract from, the natural beauty of Red Bud Isle. I found her proposal to be thoughtful and compreh ensive, and her proposed work to be elegant, playful, and interactive. - Katie Stahl Emily’s proposal is thoughtfully designed in response to the unique context of Isle Bud Park. During the interview, she demon strated strong enthusiasm and a deep commitment to community engagement, highlighting her dedication to fostering meaningful interactions through her work. H er approach is both considerate and adaptable, ensuring that the project remains sensitive to the natural environment while remaining flexible to accommodate the specific demands of the site. - Maryam Taghavi She met the requirements and goals for this project better than anyone. Because this is such a large commission, the communit y and stakeholders need to be guided along this project by someone like her, who has extensive community engagement. - Ernesto Hernandez Emily's elegant design and proposal emphasized both human and environmental considerations and I believe would enhance the pu blic's experience at Red Bud Isle without disturbing the serenity that is so important for visitors now. From the first round (and especially highlighted in the second round) Emily displayed a high level of interest and enthusiasm for community engagement, feedback, and participation in the creation of her project an d I look forward to following her journey and process in the upcoming years. I believe this project will also provide her with the necessary resources to grow her artistic practice, specifically with permanent public art projects, and she seems more than qualified to take on this project at Red Bud Isle. - Paloma Mayorga Recommended Artist – Emily Eisenhart Recommended Alternate – Philippe Klinefelter Philippe's work has such a permanence to it. He brought forward an idea that reminded us of the history of the site that was playful and interactive, while telling a piece of the story. - Elizabeth Williams Philippe's proposal reflects an understanding of and appreciation for the natural beauty and history of Red Bud Isle, and I a ppreciated his use of the entire site in his concept. His proposal could have been strengthened, however, by an increased interest in community engagement and grea ter emphasis on how people might interact with his work. - Katie Stahl His artwork tends to be more in balance with the environment, which is crucial to this space because the community and people who visit Red Bud love the tranquility and peace here. - Ernesto Hernandez Recommended Alternate – Philippe Klinefelter