New public art projects commissioned

If you only think of monuments when you hear the term “public art,” you need to schedule a public art tour of Oklahoma City. Since adoption in 2009 of an initiative that requires 1 percent of the construction budget for public projects to be spent on public art, Oklahoma City’s public art scene has significantly changed. There are now dozens of murals, sculptures and art installations across the city.

Public art adds meaning to our public spaces, reflects the culture of Oklahoma City and reveals our unique character. Investment in public art reflects our community’s cultural, social, and economic values. It makes a statement, causes you to pause and think and shows you a different perspective about the place and time where you stand.

Investing in art is investing in ourselves and it gives dividends from an economic development perspective. Studies show that people travel to and spend more time in cities with interesting and unique artists, museums and galleries.

The Oklahoma City Council recently approved four new art commissions: Glacial Erratics, a sculpture on the West River Trail by local artist Klint Schor; Indian Blanket Flower Bench, an Oklahoma prairie inspired bench at the South Lakes Park by Jim Gallucci; an untitled destination sculpture in Red Andrews Park by local artists Rick and Tracey Bewley; and Windswept Wall by local artist Brett McDanel at Fire Station No. 29 in southeast Oklahoma City.

Read the full article at The Journal Record