Agenda - 06-16-2009 - 4p - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Michael Waller and Leah Foushee have built a reputation as an artist team that works primarily with local communities to create engaging, historically significant, and interactive public art spaces. As residents of Hillsborough and working from a studio located in Durham, Mr. Waller and Ms. Foushee are deeply committed to the artistic enhancement and history of Hillsborough. Their largest public work to date - "Major" - is a larger than life-size bronze bull created as an iconic sculpture for the City of Durham. Mr. Waller and Ms. Foushee create abstract as well as representational works and are most familiar in working with the durable materials of bronze, aluminum, steel, concrete and stone. The proposed design entitled "You Are Here" (constructed in the low maintenance materials of bronze, concrete, and steel) exemplifies their interest in creating a landmark piece for Hillsborough that serves as a unique icon for the town, a gathering place with seating, and a source of reference and education of Hillsborough's rich history, landscape and natural environment. The artists carry on the North Carolina tradition of hand-making every aspect of the work. As residents of Hillsborough, the artists are ready to work with the community to create a piece of contemporary art for the town's new public library. The three main elements of this 8' x 30' x 7' piece weighing approx. 2,000 lbs. -the millstone, the bands of hills, and the inner circle of the stone -allude to the town's defining characteristics. The Millstone -constructed as a large steel and concrete replica of a millstone - references the following: the stone foundations of the town's historic homes, mills, and buildings; the many wheels and millstones that once operated along the Eno River; the furrows dressing the millstone reflect the furrows of the town's streets and farmland; the circle of the stone is a symbol of the strength of Hillsborough's community, past and present. The Bands of Hills -made of concrete represent the rolling hills of the land, the flow and movement of the Eno River, and the knitting of community. They also provide an area for sitting, playing, reading, and gathering. The Bronze Inner Circle of the Stone -depicts bas-relief realistic images of the areas natural environment including plants, animals, and trees, serving as an educational and interactive resource. Additional Bronze Elements -The artists want to create realistic bronze objects that "rest" on the bands of hills, such as a book, a map, or local flora or fauna. These elements tie the material of the inner band to the rest of the piece, and could be ideas offered by the community. If authorized by the Board. and the Historic Hillsborough Commission, the public artwork by Michael Waller and Leah Foushee will be located in a 13' x 40' space located on the northeast side of the main entrance to the library facing Margaret Lane. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total project budget of $10,000 comes from $5,000 allocated by the Board in the FY 2009-10 CIP and $5,000 in matching funds from the Friends of the Orange County Public Library. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board authorize the Manager to sign the Orange County Library Public Art agreement with the artist team of Michael Waller and Leah Foushee contingent upon final review by staff, the County Attorney, and the Historic Hillsborough Commission.