cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jennifer Byrne, Director of Public Art
DATE: July 10, 2023
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to accept the selected proposal for CIP A069, a Multi-Use Sculpture at 14 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL, Ward 2.
PURPOSE:
To accept the proposal of the sculpture design provided by the selected Artist Edra Soto, for a project contract to fabricate and install five sculptural seating structures at 14 E. Downer Place, the park adjacent to the David L. Pierce Art & History Center
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora last commissioned a sculpture in 2008. The acquisition of this new series of five sculptures will provide creative seating for the public, further the mission of Public Art to bring a fine arts presence to the City, and give fine art fans from beyond the region another reason to visit Aurora. The CIP for a Multi-Use Sculpture was approved for the 2022 budget. RFQ 22-59 was launched August 15, 2022. Artist, Edra Soto, was unanimously selected by the Aurora Public Art Commission for recommendation October 20, 2022. Project funds were carried over to the 2023 budget; a design contract was provided to the Artist February 7, 2023. A fourth and final design edit, edits requested by the City, was provided by the Artist May 19, 2023. This final design was approved by the Mayor's Office June 13, 2023, and unanimously recommended for acquisition by the Aurora Public Art Commission June 29, 2023.
DISCUSSION:
The materials used to fabricate the proposed five sculptural benches are enamel powder-coated steel and cast concrete. Each structure, each slightly different in shape, is approximately 6' high, with an approximately 3' x4' base. This permanent installation is designed to last indefinitely. The structures will be installed at the south end of the park at 14 E. Downer Place on new concrete pads, next to the David L. Pierce Art & History Center at 20 E. Downer Place. Six permanent up-lights will be embedded in the new concrete pads, to illumi...
Click here for full text