By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Alabama-based artist Deedee Morrison’s “Ties That Bind” has been selected as the sculpture for Wooster Green.
The Wooster Green Steering Committee made the decision Wednesday afternoon.
The piece, which will be constructed of eight bent treated and curved vintage railroad rails, and rise 17 feet in the air, was selected from a field of three finalists.
The three finalists including Emanuel Enriquez of Bowling Green and Virginia Kistler of Columbus made public presentations on their work two weeks ago. (http://bgindependentmedia.org/artists-pitch-ideas-for-wooster-greens-final-feature/) Then posters with the proposals were displayed for a week at the library and people were asked to vote for their favorite.
Morrison’s work was the overwhelming favorite in among the 157 people who cast ballots, Diane Vogtsberger said. She noted that the other members of the public art subcommittee made their own decisions before they knew what the vote tally was. The public vote was meant to be advisory, not deciding.
Lori Young, a professor of art from Bowling Green State University and chair of the subcommittee, said that the members were struck by the amount of research Morrison put into the piece and how she chose the materials.
Subcommittee member Diane Vogtsberger said she had all the answers and came prepared, even having consulted with a structural engineer. A local engineer will be contracted to consult on the installation.
Given Morrison’s experience and research Vogtsberger said she had the most confidence that Morrison would be able to complete the project well, on time, and within the $45,000 budget.
The subcommittee members liked the way the sculpture rose over the site. It had a grandeur that was appropriate. “We need a modern piece of sculpture here.” That it was lit at the top was also popular with the public, Vogtsberger said.
Bob Callecod, a committee member, cautioned against expecting too much from the light, since the area is already well lit. He also said the idea of programmed changing colors of the lighting schemes seemed like a gimmick.
Young said the lighting could be discussed.
Also to be decided with some consultation with the public would be the words that would be displayed on the eight pillars.
“If you look at the art on her web site she has some diverse pieces. This is very different. This is unique, created for our community,” said committee member Lloyd Triggs, who teaches art at the high school.
Kistler’s work was fan shaped like 13 pages in a book. The pages would have images and words laser cut on them.
Callecod said he liked the way it fit on the site and captured the theme of education. That the pages were blowing was fitting for “Blowing Green.”
However, he agreed with others on the committee who were concerned about safety issues saying it could be “an attractive nuisance.”
That would be less of an issue with the Morrison piece, he said, but he added some sort of barrier will be needed “to keep people from going up and into either of those structures. We’re really going to have to think of that.”
Enriquez proposed a small schoolhouse constructed with half-inch thick green-tinted glass panels.
Young said there were too many questions about Enriquez’ proposal including what images would be etched inside the school house as well as structural issues.
Nadine Edwards, a member of the subcommittee, said that there were concerns about keeping the structure, which would be open on both sides and could fit three people, clean inside.
Vandalism, she said, would be a concern.
The committee was going to notify the artists.
Edwards said that Morrison would create videos as she worked on the project and share those with the community.
The goal is to have a dedication ceremony in June.
