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The Broad Street bridge over the Scioto River was originally built with pedestals meant to display sculptures, statues or other forms of public artwork, but nothing has ever materialized there… until now.
The Franklin County Commissioners announced this morning that a partnership with Franklin County Engineer Dean Ringle, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Columbus Art Commission and the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District will provide four wooden spires atop those pedestals.
According to Scott Varner, Public Information Officer for the Board of County Commissioners, the erection of the sculptures should begin on Monday and should only take four days.
The “Bicentennials Towers” will each contain a unique ornate design, but the installation is expected to only be temporary, lasting through the end of 2012. The project is one component of the “Finding Time” initiative, which was announced last year. This initiative is tasked with the installation of 14 public art projects throughout Downtown Columbus as a part of the bicentennial celebration, and to draw more awareness about both the cultural value and the economic development value of public art projects.
More information about Finding Time can be found at www.columbuspublicart.com.
How wonderful! I just wish I were around when these are installed. David Best is one of the most prolific and talented artcar artists. One of his many creations he did with BGSU, has been exhibited at Hot Times Music and Arts Festival http://www.hottimesfestival.com several times as seen here http://www.flickr.com/photos/thatcar/2843964773/
Super excited to see these
does anyone know when the bridge is scheduled to open?
Are you referring to the Rich Street Bridge? It was originally scheduled for completion in June, but I haven’t heard an official ribbon cutting opening date yet. I have an email in asking about it.
This new artwork is being installed on the Broad Street Bridge, which is opening for business as usual. ;)
Although these towers look interesting, I have 2 complaints. Why are taxpayers paying for temporary artwork, and second they don’t have the wow factor that we need to strive for in Columbus. The blue glass sculpture of Serpent Mound, that have suggested for the Broad Street bridge at one time, would have had that wow factor.
Yea, whats with the temporary structure? I want something that will be there for over 100 years to remember the 200th bicentennial. Go exotic.
I would actually love to see the blue glass Serpent mound idea re-purposed into the planned pedestrian bridge over the river. That would be a bold and beautiful architechtural statement for Columbus, much like the Main street bridge has been. In terms of this proposal, I kind of like the idea of temporary art. I think the impermanence can be part of the excitement; only we here in 2012 will see it, though photographs and video will allow Columbusites at the city’s 300th anniversary some nostalgia. Maybe they can do different instillations there periodocally.
I like the look of these, but also wish they could be more permanent
It would be interesting to have these pedestals become the home for a yearly site specific sculpture commission/competition similar to the very popular Fourth Plinth project in London’s Trafalgar Square. It might be cheaper in the long run than a permanent installation and the yearly turnover would bring people back to see the latest work. This is a nice start.
http://www.london.gov.uk/fourthplinth/commissions
careful what you wish for. permanent art could end up like the goodale fountain. temporary installations could be a blessing in disguise.
The artist will speak at 5 pm today.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/05/10/bridgespires-wildart-b4-art-gmhh7fe8-1.html