For Immediate Release: July 29, 2008
Contact: Jeff Morgan
Public Relations
515.281.3858
Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov
Public art conference set for Sept. 24-25 in Council Bluffs, Omaha
Iowa Arts Council partnering with Iowa West Public Art and Nebraska Arts Council
(DES MOINES, Iowa)—The Iowa Arts Council is partnering with Iowa West Public Art (IWPA), an initiative of the Iowa West Foundation, and the Nebraska Arts Council to host the 2008 IA/NE Public Art Networking Conference Sept. 24-25, 2008, in Council Bluffs and Omaha.
The conference is for artists, organizations and communities engaged in public art projects, and for others wanting to know more about public art. Registration is $25 per person and can be made on-line at www.iowatix.com. For more information, visit www.publicartconference.wordpress.com or contact Jody Boyer at 712-309-3008 or jboyer@iowawest.com.
The conference will begin and end each day at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. Participants will tour public art sites throughout the Council Bluffs/Omaha metro area, including several major IWPA projects funded by the Iowa West Foundation, hear panel discussions about complex issues related to implementing public art and have an opportunity to meet other Iowans and Nebraskans interested in public art.
Keynote speaker Brower Hatcher will discuss the success of Bayliss Park, which recently underwent renovation in the heart of downtown Council Bluffs. Brower will share his perspective on the success of Bayliss Park’s renovation and IWPA’s first installation. Hatcher is a nationally recognized sculptor from Rhode Island whose public art work is the centerpiece of the park. The park’s major renovation was funded by the community and the Iowa West Foundation.
Participants will also hear panel discussions about public art master planning and integrating public art into civic investments; the role of artists in public art; and community-based public art implemented in Omaha and Council Bluffs.
Following is a list of walking and driving tours that will be offered during the conference:
Public Art in Downtown Council Bluffs
A walking tour of public art in downtown Council Bluffs includes the works of Brower Hatcher, Debbie Masuoka and others.
IWPA sites at the Mid-America Center
In the spring of 2004, the Iowa West Foundation began to reenergize Council Bluffs as a place that promotes civic pride, attracts new residents, encourages community revitalization and welcomes new visitors through a high-quality, integrated public art program called Iowa West Public Art. This tour will showcase completed works by William King and works of Jun Kaneko and Jonathan Borofsky in progress.
Kaneko Studios
Visit the studio of Jun Kaneko and see numerous works by the artist.
The Kaneko
The Kaneko is an innovative creativity center and museum being developed in downtown Omaha. Hear about the plans for this exciting center of innovation and creativity.
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
A 25-year-old artist residency program and contemporary art center in Omaha. Participants will view artwork on display for the 10th Annual Bemis Center Art Auction.
Downtown Omaha Public Art
Downtown Omaha provides an interesting mix of public and corporate interests in a variety of public art that can be viewed from the road. The driving tour will include the Council Bluffs entrance gateway, the pedestrian bridge, Omaha’s Qwest Center projects and several other projects.
First National Sculpture Parks
Suzanne Wise from the Nebraska Arts Council will guide participants through First National’s sculpture parks in downtown Omaha, which include the Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness Sculpture Park and the Pioneer Courage Sculpture Park. These First National Bank commissions have transformed a downtown city block into one of the largest installments of bronze sculptures in the world.
The Peter Kiewit Institute
Nebraska has one of the oldest public art laws in the country. Participants will view several key examples by internationally-known artists Alice Aycock and Dale Chihuly that reside in close proximity at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Peter Kiewit Institute.
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The Iowa Arts Council is a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and works to enrich the quality of life for Iowans through support of the arts. Funding for the Iowa Arts Council and its programs is provided by the state of Iowa and the National Endowment for the Arts.