Public Art
Ames Circle of Arts
Ames, IA
Ames Circle of Arts
Ames, IA
The inspiration for the Ames Circle of Arts was creativity. Thus, at the center of the monument is an allegorical figure, “Creativity.” She holds in her extended hand the seed of creativity. A ribbon emanates from the seed and encircles her. The ribbons reappear in the medallions surrounding her, bringing inspiration and creativity to the five represented arts: Fine Arts, Musical Arts, Dramatic Arts, Literary Arts, and Athletic Arts.
The design of the monument was intended to fit harmoniously into the Bandshell Park environment. There are design elements in the monument that echo the design features of the Bandshell architecture. The arches are one example. The scale of the piece was also a concern as the Bandshell is, and should be, the dominant feature of the park. The monument is compact in scale, yet has a light airy openness due to the arches. One feature I like about the finished monument is that when you enter the circle of arches, you feel as though you are in a special space. Almost like a room that separates you from the outside world. It is a comfortable space. It was my intention that this monument should fit into the Ames environment in a positive manner. Working with the Public Art Committee, design changes were made to some design elements to allow greater access. The bench tops were modified to permit seating from both inside the circle and from the outside. The orientation in the park setting was chosen to allow concert viewing of the Bandshell. The monument appears to have been in place for generations. Its design is classic yet has contemporary style elements. It is a sculpture I am very proud of not only because of the design, but also of how it works with the environment.
Please scroll over the images below for links to more images.
The design of the monument was intended to fit harmoniously into the Bandshell Park environment. There are design elements in the monument that echo the design features of the Bandshell architecture. The arches are one example. The scale of the piece was also a concern as the Bandshell is, and should be, the dominant feature of the park. The monument is compact in scale, yet has a light airy openness due to the arches. One feature I like about the finished monument is that when you enter the circle of arches, you feel as though you are in a special space. Almost like a room that separates you from the outside world. It is a comfortable space. It was my intention that this monument should fit into the Ames environment in a positive manner. Working with the Public Art Committee, design changes were made to some design elements to allow greater access. The bench tops were modified to permit seating from both inside the circle and from the outside. The orientation in the park setting was chosen to allow concert viewing of the Bandshell. The monument appears to have been in place for generations. Its design is classic yet has contemporary style elements. It is a sculpture I am very proud of not only because of the design, but also of how it works with the environment.
Please scroll over the images below for links to more images.
