HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1HThe Palm Springs Public Arts Commission:
Plans for Downtown Art Parks
With the completion of the Downtown Park, and the introduction of cultural events
such as Rock The Park, Movies In The Park, the Black History Month celebration, the
Chalk Art Festival, the recent Drag4Drag rally, and the continued success of the Free
Thursday Nights at the Museum, this area is a cultural hub enjoyed by all ages of
visitors and residents alike. Our goal is to make this area an outdoor gallery of Public
Art: curated, intentional, inspirational and educational.
PSPAC has one location near the museum where we install public art, the southwest
corner of Museum Way and N Museum Drive, where “History of Suspended Time
(A monument for the impossible)” by artist Gonzalo Lebrija is currently displayed.
As that piece is due to leave later this year, we’re taking this opportunity to reprogram
that area for future installations.
The proposed LOCAL ART PARK is located in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum
will be a vibrant and engaging space that will showcase the work of talented local
artists.
The current mural, "Las Tias" by Sofia Enriquez, is a stunning example of the
creativity and skill that abounds in our community. With plans to add two new pieces
from up-and-coming local artists, this Art Park will continue to be a hub of artistic
activity and a source of pride for the city.
By focusing exclusively on featuring the work of local creatives, this space right outside
the museum will not only support and elevate the careers of talented artists in the area
but also contribute to the cultural richness and diversity of Palm Springs. It is an
exciting and dynamic location that will continue to draw visitors and residents alike to
experience the best of what our city has to offer in terms of art and culture.
The area will be anchored by CRAWLER by local artist Ryan Campbell, and also
include The only other thing is NOTHING BY MIDABI, aka Michael Birnberg. There is
sufficient room for future installations by local artists.
Lot G is a new addition to our portfolio and we intend to program that area with art that
will engage park visitors who came downtown for the cultural events and to see
Forever Marilyn.
The proposed POP ART PARK in downtown Palm Springs will be a vibrant and
exciting addition to the city's cultural landscape, featuring playful and eye-catching
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Public Comment
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installations of pop art that are sure to attract visitors and encourage them to share
their experiences on social media platforms like Instagram.
This will not only create a fun and memorable experience, but also generate buzz and
positive publicity for the city, increasing foot traffic and boosting the local economy.
With its proximity to the popular Forever Marilyn statue, the Pop Art Park has the
potential to become a must-see destination for anyone visiting Palm Springs,
enhancing the city's reputation as a hub of artistic and cultural activity.
This area will be anchored by POPSICLES, by John Cerney, one of our most
instagrammed pieces in our collection. We will move this piece from the private lot on
Sunny Dunes, and install it with IMPOSSIBLE LAWN CHAIR, a piece by Brian Buetel
which is currently in storage and formerly at The Skylark Hotel. We also intend to install
PINWHEEL, by artist Larry Lubow, a donation from Ann Sheffer.
There is much more room for for future installations of fun and bright POP art in this
new park. This new destination will be a placeholder until the eventual development
earmarked for that location takes shape.
Lastly, and importantly, as GRIT Development begins construction on their condo
development on Belardo between Andreas and Museum Way, Graffiti Park will
disappear—and construction fence will surround that entire block starting in October.
As construction will continue over the course of several years, it’s paramount we
engage with visitors and residents in a creative way so that they continue to enjoy the
parks, the Museum and all the cultural programs beyond that block long construction
zone.
I’ve initiated conversations with Michael Braun about using the wooden construction
fences as a way to welcome visitors and residents to the area, and to promote the
cultural events happening with a bold, creative and controlled design.
05/25/2023
Public Comment
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