Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Saturday, August 8, 2015, 4:30PM
YOU ARE INVITED
There is a great sense of gratification and anticipation when we install a work of public art. It takes problem-solving and communication to place a work in the public forum and present the final creation as an effortless process.
But from the art admin’s perspective the process from selection to installation becomes an integral part of the history of the work.
The design of the 01027 Bike Rack by Michael Poole of Blue Collar Artisans instantly resonated with ECA+’s Public Art Subcommittee.Much like Tom Pappalardo’s Easthampton mural (the first mural initiated by ECA+ in 2008), its Easthampton centric concept has an element of placemaking and wayfinding. You won’t find this specific public art work in Northampton, or Boston, or Philadelphia. As the public art group learned more about Poole’s plans for materials and installation and concerns of functionality, they became more excited about the probability that concept and creation would coincide.
But before the work was even selected, ECA+ coordinated with the DPW to find the best location. Potential challenges like snowplowing, cars and sewer and gas lines are a needed consideration. We learn from past public art, by what has worked and what hasn’t. The City Engineer, Jim Gracia, and Office Manager, Patricia Cotton met with members of the public art subcommittee to scout out locations. Later Gracia and the DPW, would continue their work on the project through installation.
There is a great sense of gratification and anticipation when we install a work of public art. It takes problem-solving and communication to place a work in the public forum and present the final creation as an effortless process.
The “who” of where you are placing a public art work takes forethought. Although ECA+ is a city organization and this work was to be placed on a city sidewalk, businesses and individuals who encounter this work will be affected by it. It changes their daily landscape. Having regard for their interaction with the work is necessary to make a successful public art piece. (Ever hear of Richard Serra’s Titled Arc?) ECA+ has been lucky to have such a positive response from Easthampton’s private sector about placing art in their space.
For this project however, we experienced a particularly special interaction with the Main Street businesses where the 01027 Bike Rack was to face. For example, Janel Jorda from Web-tactics, inc. not only responded positively but completely engaged with the installation. She offered to capture the implementation with her camera and webcam. She connected with local social media maven Pat Brough to create a video. Several doors away, Easthampton native Chuck Connor of Taylor Real Estate was supportive about the installation from the start.
Challenges can no doubt arise when trying to schedule an installation. We worked with the Sewer and Water Dept. These guys work hard at keeping the city in working order. Emergencies are common in their schedules such as the need to fix a broken sewer line. But we found the right day and the right time. With a core drill generously donated from Manchesters’ True Value, the installation crew drilled the holes. They picked up the work from Blue Collar Artisans. It took four people to load the rack in the truck. And the install began. It took the good work of Billy Dicarlo, Denis Senecal, Rich Young, Tom Newton, and Clayton Weglarz to position and instate the 01027.
“What I love most about this town is its strong ties to the factory and blue collar workforce that created it, and its openness to welcome people from all walks of life.”
The artist Michael Poole said about his creation, “This design reflects my love for Easthampton, which is place I proudly call home. What I love most about this town is its strong ties to the factory and blue collar workforce that created it, and its openness to welcome people from all walks of life.”
The day after the cement had set, a bike was attached to the new rack.
-Burns, Arts Coordinator
This Project was made possible by funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Easthampton Savings Bank.
Public Art Subcommittee
Jessica Allan
Burns Maxey
Marcia Morrison
Denise Riggs
Bob Riggs
Jean Pierre Pasche
Jamie Webb