Item 14 - St John_Artist Recommendations.pdf — original pdf

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• Project: St John Redevelopment Site • Artist(s): Maxwell Emcays, Jessica Bell, & Olaniyi Akindiya • Phase: Artist Selection Process • Sponsoring Department: Financial Services Department • Project Budget: $250,000 • Council District: 4 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM 7 DATE:06/09/2025 St. John Redevelopment Site The St. John Redevelopment site is located at 7211 and 7309 North Interstate 35 (the former Home Depot & Chrysler Dealership). The improvements on the 19-acre mixed use plot of land include: • • • • • Affordable Housing Retail space Community clubhouse Existing park expanded Increased access to the park from Blackson Ave and St John Blvd. Art In Public Places Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Project Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places Honors the St John neighborhood’s history and legacy Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that integrates with the site and surrounding natural environment Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years • • • • Request for Qualifications 2025  Open to Texas-based artists from 2/03/25 to 3/15/25  Artist Information Meeting 2/17/25    29 eligible applicants Selection of three artists to interviews 4/15/25 Interviews held 5/30/2025 Budget – $250,000 Sponsor Department – Financial Services Department (FSD) 3 Artist Selection Panelists Voting Panelists • Arielle Austin, practicing artist • Damon Moseley, practicing artist • Nailah Sankofa, practicing artist Non-Voting Panelists • Dr. Patricia Alford, Community Member • Raymond Castillo, Community Member Emilie Young, Community Member • Stephanie Lemmo, LA-N-D • • Callie Phillips, Greystar • Carson Chapman, TBG Partners City Staff • Christine Fruendl, FSD Project Manager 4 St John Redevelopment Site R E C O M M E N D E D A R T I S T Maxwell Emcays Selection Panel Comments:​ “Maxwell Emcays' presentation was the most impressive, thorough, relatable and well- thought out. His vast past public art experience, knowledge and creative technical skills as well as his visit to Austin to personally tour the St. John's Redevelopment project site further emphasized his professionalism, community engagement and ability to design, coordinate/manage, implement, complete and navigate the various complex aspects of this AIPP project. “ “I believe he made a compelling case for what role public art could play at the site. He supported his vision by researching the St john neighborhood and learning about their history. He presented evidence of visually stunning past works and showed a willingness to collaborate with the stakeholders of this project.“ I believe Maxwell Emcays approached and presented his proposal with confidence and thoughtfulness. He was proactive in his planning and his building of community relationships. Selection Process Recommendation Budget: $250,000 St John Redevelopment Site R E C O M M E N D E D A L T E R N A T E Jessica Bell Selection Panel Comments:​ I believe Jessica Bell's thoughtful designs and ideas for community connectedness are worth considering for the project's alternate. I felt Ms. Bell would be a capable replacement artist if Maxwell Emcays the finalist artist was unable to continue. My support of her recommendation was also in support of the other majority panelists' recommendation of her. I recommend Jessica Bell for the St John Redevelopment site project alternate, because of her success in completing similar projects. Jessica displayed a strong understanding of the public art process. The artist possesses the skill set to produce beautiful works that enhance spaces and allow for public interaction. Selection Process Recommendation St John Redevelopment Site S E C O N D A L T E R N A T E Olaniyi “Akirash” Akindiya Selection Panel Comments:​ “High caliber work” “Sophisticated and elegant work. He has worked on many project with great scope, has worked with various different scales of budget, and is energized by this project. “Thoughtful highly capable individual who has not yet had the opportunity to make a public artwork in Austin.” “Fresh and innovative approaches to public art including the use of new and sustainable materials in his works. He believes community buy in is essential to any work commissioned and although new to the area is committed to be an unbiased conduit for the community and listen to their desires.” “Has demonstrated knowledge and willingness to work within the project confines, but not necessarily considered a local artist with local roots.” Selection Process Recommendation