UrbanArt

Memphis Artist, Anthony Lee, honored by Metropolitan Bank with Emmett O'Ryan Award for Artistic Inspiration

2012-01-27T10:28:00.000-08:00

Metropolitan Bank Presents Emmett O’Ryan Award for Artistic Inspiration

Second annual award honors artist Anthony Lee

MEMPHIS (January 26, 2012): Metropolitan Bank presented the second annual Emmett O’Ryan Award for Artistic Inspiration (the “Emmett”) to artist Anthony Lee during a reception at Metropolitan Bank on Jan. 25. The award, which honors Mr. O’Ryan, a founding board member of Metropolitan Bank, is given annually to an emerging artist recognized for his or her work and promise for future artistic significance. The selected artist receives a $2,000 cash award, and his or her nominating organization receives $500.

Anthony Lee is a sculptor and mixed media artist who has received two commissions from the UrbanArt Commission. In 2007 he was commissioned to paint a mural on South Main as a part of UrbanArt’s 10th Anniversary celebration. Currently, Lee is in the process of completing his second commission with the organization, a sculptural work at Pierotti Park. His work brought national recognition when the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network identified his Modern Hieroglyphs mural as one of the top 40 public artworks created in 2009. Lee was nominated for the Emmett by the UrbanArt Commission.

Emmett O’Ryan was a founding board member of Metropolitan Bank and was an avid art collector as well as an artist. Upon his sudden passing, the bank wanted to create an award to honor O’Ryan and his contribution to the community. Because of his love of art, the bank decided to honor him with an award for an upcoming artist. The selection committee included Bill Carkeet, Oden CEO and ArtsMemphis board member; Jay Robinson, Emmett O’Ryan’s godson; and Metropolitan Bank associates Phillip May, Memphis market president; Joelle Rogin, senior managing director; Josh Huff, marketing director; and

Melissa Scott, group administrative officer.

“This award is a wonderful way to honor Emmett O’Ryan’s memory while supporting the work of an outstanding emerging artist in our community,” May said. “It was difficult to choose among the deserving nominees but, in the end, we thought the quality of Anthony’s work, combined with its direct impact on the Memphis community, was worthy of the award.”

ArtsMemphis-funded visual arts organizations are eligible to nominate an artist who is affiliated with them for the Emmett O’Ryan Award. Other artist nominees included Logan Hirsch, nominated by the Metal Museum; Eszter Augustine-Sziksz, nominated by Memphis College of Art; and Brian Pera, nominated by Indie Memphis.

“We are proud to help Metropolitan Bank spotlight and reward the talent of emerging artists working in Memphis,” says Susan Schadt, president & CEO of ArtsMemphis. “By bestowing this award, Metropolitan Bank nurtures Anthony Lee’s ability to develop as a professional artist.”

The award presentation took place at a reception at Metropolitan Bank’s East Memphis office. Bill Price, a metalsmith and lecturer at Memphis College of Art, designed and fabricated the award.

The Metropolitan Bank, the banking subsidiary of Metropolitan BancGroup, Inc., is a $560 million bank presently co-headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., and Ridgeland, Miss. After its successful acquisition of Bancsouth Financial Corporation and its subsidiary Bank of the South in 2008 and its acquisition of a Tennessee state bank charter, Metropolitan now operates six full-service banking offices in Mississippi and Tennessee. The Metropolitan Bank offers a full range of financial products and services, including private banking services, personal and business checking accounts, online banking and bill payment, mortgages, home equity lines of credit, custom construction loans, commercial and consumer loans, treasury management, remote deposit capture and merchant card services. For more information, visit www.themetropolitanbank.com.

Photos below of Anthony Lee's nationally recognized Modern Hieroglyphs mural on South Main in Downtown Memphis. This project was commissioned by UrbanArt Commission as a part of the organization's 10th Anniversary Project: interactions/interruptions. In 2009 Lee's mural was recognized by the American's for the Arts Public Art Network as one of the top 40 public art projects of the year.

Stay tuned for updates on Anthony Lee's next public art project at Pierotti Park in the Raleigh neighborhood that will be installed later this spring. Sneak peak photo of the project below.

Mural Program Workshop

2011-11-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Photos by Alexis Kraus

Last weekend UAC's Mural Program artists had the pleasure to participate in a polytab demonstration with Philadelphia's Mural Arts expert, Eric Okdeh. The workshop weekend also included a one-on-one site visit with each artists personal site as well as a brief summary of the Mural Arts history.

Newest Mural in Memphis

2011-09-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Memphis gained its newest mural along the Greenline over the past few weeks as UrbanArt's Siphne Sylve designed this piece for the old abandoned train tunnel between Perkins and Mendenhall. Installed with the help of volunteers and the collaborative assistance of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, this 'I Love Memphis' mural was co-sponsored by the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the City of Memphis. Additional funding was provided through a grant from ArtsMemphis.

The installation of Siphne's original design would not be possible without the help of volunteers who believe the murals make Memphis a better place to live. Thank you to Rory-Ann Austin, Angel Bonesteel, Maysa Sem, Jeff Muncy, Alexis Krauss, Kezia Snipe, and Brandon Tolson!

UrbanArt Registry

2011-09-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Artists, Architects, Designers, and Dreamers,

UrbanArt's free Artists' Registry is live and open for your use in extending your network and developing career opportunities in the public art realm and beyond.

Our site has over 2,000 views per month from curators, developers, collectors, public art administrators, and other artists interested in making unique art experiences available to the public.

Simply complete the registration form via the link attached.

UrbanArt Registry

UrbanArt in Action

2011-09-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Great article in the CA about UrbanArt's impact in the community!

Painting a Mural in Memphis!

2011-07-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Local artist Jeff Unthank and his assistant Jon Hart have been hard at work over the past few months working with neighborhood children to paint a stunning mural for the North Frayser Community Center.

Jeff and Jon have set a new standard for mural artists in the City, completing their project in 6 months flat, from contract to completion.

The neighborhood children helped, too!

Art helping beautify abandoned buildings

2011-07-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt's Siphne Sylve is profiled in the Memphis Business Journal for her work creating anti-blight solutions through public art!

Southside Park Sculpture RFQ

2011-06-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt announces the Southside Park Sculpture RFQ.

Visit the UrbanArt website via the link provided to learn more.

UrbanArt on Live at 9

2011-06-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt's Executive Director John Weeden spoke with the team of Channel 3 TV's 'Live at 9' program about public art in Memphis.

You can watch the video HERE.

UrbanArt featured in this week's Memphis Flyer "The Next Level"

2011-06-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt is featured in a great article by Chris Davis on local arts organizations taking their programs to the next level in this week's Memphis Flyer.

Free Artists Registry Tool

2011-05-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

If you're an artist interested in promoting your work, join the free Artists Registry on the new UrbanArt website.

Follow this link to learn more: UrbanArt Artists Registry.

Next generation turns its back on Emin and Hirst's conceptual artworks | Art and design | The Observer

2011-05-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Next generation turns its back on Emin and Hirst's conceptual artworks | Art and design | The Observer

Mural Artist Brandon Marshall in the paper today!

2011-05-21T07:20:00.001-07:00

Mural Artist Brandon Marshall.

There's Something Cool Brewing in Memphis! | Memphis Flyer

2011-05-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

There's Something Cool Brewing in Memphis//Memphis Flyer

Fundraiser for Odessa Tonight

2011-05-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Odessa, a progressive venue for new art and music needs your help!

They are hosting a fundraiser tonight from 5-8p with an exhibition by Colin Kidder.

Alternatively, visit their fundraising website to support the cause: Save Odessa.

Crosstown building in the news

2011-05-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

Article about the redevelopment efforts of Crosstown Arts in the Daily News.

Memphis Blogger Unveils City-Wide Displays of Pride

2011-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Memphis Blogger Unveils City-Wide Displays of Pride|

Murals to show artists’ love of Memphis

2011-05-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Murals to show artists’ love of Memphis

ARTSblog » Blog Archive » Creativity and Economic Development – Together?!?!

2011-05-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

ARTSblog » Blog Archive » Creativity and Economic Development – Together?!?!

I Love Memphis Mural Party in Cooper Young

2011-05-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt in collaboration with the City of Memphis and the Convention and Visitors Bureau is teaming up with local artists to paint the town and proclaim our pride in our hometown by saying 'I Love Memphis!'. The first mural is by local artist Brandon Marshall, coordinated by UrbanArt staffer Siphne Sylve.

Reasons We Love Memphis

2011-05-14T00:36:00.000-07:00

Thursday's block party at Cooper and York to celebrate the first 'I Love Memphis' mural was a blast! Kerry Crawford's compiled list of reasons our neighbors love their town is pretty fantastic, take a LOOK! Thanks to Brandon Marshall and Siphne Sylve for making the mural happen!

Is Art Alive?

2011-05-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

Nice article in the paper today about UrbanArt's new website: Is Art Alive?

I Love Memphis Mural Party

2011-05-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt is creating a series of 'I Love Memphis' murals with local artists, the first of which is being painted this week by Brandon Marshall and Siphne Sylve at the corner of Cooper and York in Midtown.

There's a block party at the site this Thursday 4-7p hosted by the Convention and Visitor's Bureau to celebrate, so come on out!

REMED Inspires!

2011-05-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here's just one last note on UrbanArt's recent mural artist Guillame Alby also known as REMED (check out his mural on Broad Ave. below). A fifth grade Art teacher in California needed inspiration for her class during a lesson on different techniques with pastels . She wanted to focus mainly on patterns, and decided to find a graffiti artist so the students would be interested. The teacher's search led her to REMED, who we now know produces vibrant, Picasso style work that often consists of numerous patterns. Needless to say, her students were inspired! Look at their work below. Via

Tom Lee Memorial Meaning Hits Home

2011-05-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Keep the people of Memphis and the surrounding region in your thoughts and prayers, please, as hundreds of citizens are now homeless and waiting anxiously for 'the creek' to stop rising.

On 08 May 1925, Memphis lumber worker Tom Lee rescued 32 people from drowning in the Mississippi River when the steamer M. E. Norman sunk beneath its waves. This memorial by artist David Allan Clark pays homage to a true hometown hero. This photo (above, by Mark Lindstrom) was taken on the 86th anniversary of his magnificent exploits. The photo below is what it currently looks like today 09 May 2011 as the Mississippi floods its banks higher than at any time since the Great Flood of 1937.

To learn more of Tom Lee and his extraordinary tale visit this LINK.

(*Photo from WMC tv channel 5)

REMED Mural Brilliant Addition to Broad

2011-05-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Guillaume Alby (aka REMED) finished his Memphis magnum opus yesterday, and...it...is...BRILLIANT!! Thank you Guillaume, we had a ball getting to know you, learn from your experiences, and pick up tips of technique from your freehand virtuosity with the big walls! Merci pour tout, notre ami!

ARTSblog » Blog Archive » The Top 10 Reasons to Support the Arts (from Arts Watch)

2011-05-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

ARTSblog » Blog Archive » The Top 10 Reasons to Support the Arts (from Arts Watch)

The ARTINFO Guide to the New Museum's "Festival of Ideas for the New City" - ARTINFO.com

2011-05-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

The ARTINFO Guide to the New Museum's "Festival of Ideas for the New City" - ARTINFO.com

Facebook Flash Mob

2011-05-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

Please help us promote our new website and artist registry. Post www.isartalive.com as your Facebook status at 9am on Friday morning (May 6, tomorrow). It'll be like a Facebook Flashmob- it should be fun and leave people wondering. Help us show that art is alive in Memphis!

Broad Avenue Mural Getting Close to Complete

2011-05-05T06:31:00.001-07:00

This time tomorrow visiting French artist Guillaume Alby (aka REMED) will be on a plane back to his current home base in Madrid, Spain. After 2 weeks in our town contending with tornadoes, floods, and nearly 10 days of cold rain, this remarkable artist will have created the newest public art landmark in Memphis on a warehouse at 2542 Broad Avenue, and made a dozen new friends in a new city he loves...Memphis!

Brought to town by the building's owner, Bob Loeb of Loeb Properties, after meeting him at an exhibition in Miami last December, UrbanArt acted as his ambassador to the city, logistics coordinator, supply depot, and base camp for producing this truly wonderful mural. UrbanArt's own mural maestro Siphne Sylve served as his primary assistant throughout and soaked up plenty of knowledge about new techniques for putting paint on a wall, as well as insights into the unique mindset of this internationally renowned mural painter.

He's got one more day to paint and he's close we can taste it!

Tate Announces 2011 Turner Prize Nominees - ARTINFO.com

2011-05-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

Tate Announces 2011 Turner Prize Nominees - ARTINFO.com

Congratulations to our dear friend George Shaw for being shortlisted!

We’re Painting a Giant I Love Memphis Mural, and You’re Invited

2011-05-05T00:14:00.000-07:00

We’re Painting a Giant I Love Memphis Mural, and You’re Invited

Is Art Alive?

2011-05-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Winning proposal will bathe Sears Crosstown in lights » The Commercial Appeal

2011-05-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

Winning proposal will bathe Sears Crosstown in lights » The Commercial Appeal

What's a "Burble Bup"? Why, It's Goverors Island's First Secret Art Hideout, Of Course - ARTINFO.com

2011-04-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

What's a "Burble Bup"? Why, It's Goverors Island's First Secret Art Hideout, Of Course - ARTINFO.com

Cat Pena Grows Big Art

2011-04-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

Well done, Cat Blackwell Pena for this green wall public art project overlooking Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis! UrbanArt loves seeing other groups making public art happen all over town! Cat works with Memphis College of Art, but produced this commission as an independent artist for the Tennessee Department of Transportation. See Photos HERE.

Guillaume Alby Arrives in Memphis

2011-04-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

Artist Guillaume Alby arrived in Memphis over the weekend to make a new mural on Broad Avenue, and has already hit the town to develop ideas!

We met with him and the contingent from Loeb Properties, who own the building he'll be painting for lunch today and got to know each other better.

UrbanArt staffers Siphne Sylve and Whitney Washington will be showing him around and assisting his progress.

Memphis voted a top US city for young artists!

2011-04-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

YAYYY!!! Memphis is voted one of the top US cities for young artists (and ANY artist for that matter!)!!! See the article here on FLAVORWIRE.

The Week in Review 18-22 April 2011

2011-04-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, John here.

Whew! What a whirlwind of a week!

Briefly, even though this is a holiday, I'm hard at it, alone in the office preparing for a meeting on Good Friday with members of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Mayor's office to discuss an exciting mural campaign set to launch in May. I can't discuss the details of this privately funded project, but I can tell how excited I am to be a part of it!

Monday was the monthly gathering of Executive Directors roundtable at the Alliance for Non-Profit Excellence, a vital, innovative and thought provoking group of professionals committed to serving the missions of their respective organizations and moving Memphis forward, conducted by the always excellent Nancy McGhee and Tim Bolding. To have that group as a sounding board and resource for learning best practices is a true godsend of a professional development activity. Thank you ANPE for all you do, I can't wait for your conference on Wednesday!

Later that afternoon I was fortunate to be invited to a meeting with the Mayor and the director of CEO's for Cities, Carol Coletta, in the Mayor's office with about a dozen other local professionals also dedicated to the cause of increasing the vibrancy of the public realm. I may have been the chatty cathy of the group, because I got a little giddy at being able to sit next to the Mayor of our town and talk about art! How great that he lead the discussion and contributed such great ideas to the mix for the purpose of developing a grant proposal to the NEA for developing the cultural vibrancy of our community. Thank you, Mayor, for the opportunity to inform the discussion about the crucial role of public art in making Memphis a city of choice!

Tuesday brought an interesting conversation with a local developer interested in the possibility of a public art makeover for one its newly acquired commercial shopping centers in east Shelby County.

Wednesday I met with the Aerotropolis working group headed by Dr. Raines of the University of Memphis and Jim Covington from the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce. With the expert insights of the assembled members including landscape architect Ritchie Smith and the dynamic Julie Ellis we got some great feedback for developing a project along a major entry route into the city from the airport. What an amazing and committed group!

Later that day we did a walk through of the Cook Convention Center to identify possible areas for public art and design enhancement of the facilities with a deputation from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Wow, that place could use some help!

Thursday we held an advocacy awareness session for the first group of local artists chosen to participate in the city's new Mural Program, and gave them the good news that we should be able to give them confirmed site options by the same time next week!

Later that day I presented a talk on public art applications for increasing the vibrancy of the public realm to a group of urban design professionals to the Urban Design 101 class of the Memphis Regional Design Center headed by the inimitable Chooch Pickard. I had a great time talking about all the possibilities available in Memphis, especially in regards to an idea I have for 'tax parcel sculpture parks' and underpass improvements.

Now, our staffer Siphne Sylve and I are about to discuss final preparations for the mural to be painted on the warehouse across the street from our office beginning next week by Guillaume Alby!

Wow, what an action packed week...and that's not even counting all our Project Managers have been working on to move our caseload of 54 individual public art projects closer to completion across the city for all the various partners we currently serve!

So it goes in a typical week of a public art worker in Memphis!

REMED Mural starts next week on Broad!

2011-04-22T07:27:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to Loeb Properties and the Broad Avenue Business Association for their support of this project starting next week! UrbanArt primarily coordinates projects with local artists (over 85%), but as an independent non-profit organization is able to partner with any artist from around the world. This is a project privately funded by the owner of the building, Loeb Properties. More art for Memphis, yay!

See Guillaume Alby's art work here: REMED

Go Grizz Mural Up at Union and Nov. 6th Street.

2011-04-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

New mural up at 115 Union and S. November 6th Street in Downtown Memphis by UrbanArt mural maestro Siphne Sylve.

Go Grizz!

See pics HERE!

City Beautiful Hosts 'Trashion Show': Local Artists Sign Up Today!

2011-04-21T06:21:00.001-07:00

What is a Trashion Show?

Trashion, a blending of the words 'trash' and 'fashion,' is a term for art, jewelry, fashion and objects for the home created from used, thrown-out, found and repurposed elements. The term was first coined in New Zealand in 2004.

'Curb Couture' is an opportunity for local professional and aspiring designers and artists to create fashion made from recycled materials, glass, garment bags, aluminum cans and more, and to show their designs on live runway models.

'Curb Couture' is also a party, silent auction and trashion show that will help raise funds for Memphis City Beautiful's Mini Grant Program. These grants will be used to support projects related to beautification and/or community greening.

Memphis City Beautiful

We strive to keep Memphis a beautiful, healthy and safe place to live through public education, programs and services. We work to engage individuals to take a greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For more information about Memphis City Beautiful programs or to see our volunteer opportunities, please visit us at www.memphiscitybeautiful.org.

Sunday, June 5, 2011
6pm-8pm
Main Street
(in front of the Cannon Center)

Benefitting Friends of City Beautiful

For Our Designers

We invite creative minds from the fashion and artistic community to transform discarded materials into renewed pieces. By doing so, you will help Memphis City Beautiful educate the community about conservation and sustainability in a whole new way and publicize your talent at the same time.

Create Your Curb Couture

All designs must be constructed from at least 50% recycled materials.
Fabric, trims, embellishments, etc., from other sources may be incorporated in your designs and may include new or purchased goods as well as other recycled parts. All fashion pieces MUST be wearable and must be sized according to the included sizing chart.

Categories:

Clothing: Men's and Women's

Accessories: Jewelry, Handbags, Belts, Hats

Application Deadline:

Monday, May 2, 2011

Please call (901) 522-1135
for an application

Designs Due:

Monday May 23, 2011

Deliver to:

Memphis City Beautiful
664 Adams Avenue
Memphis, TN 38105

Please call with any
questions 901-522-1135.

Creative Placemaking a Priority in Memphis

2011-04-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt had a great meeting yesterday with the Creative Placemaking Tactical Unit convened by Mayor Wharton and CEO's for Cities' Carol Coletta. How amazing it is to have municipal leadership committed to developing the vibrancy of the public realm!

New Mural Going Up Today...

2011-04-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

Pssst...there's a new mural being painted today by UrbanArt staffer Siphne Sylve at 115 Union and S. November 6th Street....Go say hello!

'Family Trees' by Tim Upham installing at University Place

2011-04-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Tim Upham's 'Family Trees' is finishing up installation at University Place this week at Crump and I-240. Many thanks to local artist/master sculptor Yvonne Bobo for her assistance in getting it done!

Leonard Pettus, local artist assistant Yvonne Bobo, and Lead Artist Tim Upham.

UrbanArt staffer Whitney Washington acts as a measuring stick to give a sense of scale.

This is only the first of a grouping of several 'Family Trees' that will be visible from the road.

Central High School Mural by Josh Sarantitis Nears Completion

2011-04-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Josh Sarantitis is finishing up his mural this week at Central High School overlooking Crump Stadium. A dedication ceremony will follow before school lets out for summer!

Local artists like Kristi Duckworth (genius, btw!) have been flocking to work with Josh and learn from his extensive experience with special materials like 'polytab' and mosaic layout software. We're so happy Josh's time in Memphis led to such a great educational opportunity for local artists. This is what UrbanArt hopes to do with all of its projects, extend the base of expertise within our local cultural class in an effort to make Memphis a hotbed of public art awesomeness!

Why I Am an Art Worker

2011-04-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

This week UrbanArt's Executive Director, John Weeden, spoke the Gallery Management students at Rhodes College, a class he himself took some 15 years earlier.

Here is the video, enjoy!

Central High Mural on Channel 3 News

2011-04-01T06:28:00.001-07:00

Video

MLK Mural Put Up At Central High - WREG

2011-04-01T06:27:00.000-07:00

MLK Mural Put Up At Central High - WREG

Crosstown Arts Hosts Memfeast 2.0

2011-03-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Crosstown Arts is excited to share the details of our next MemFEAST, which will be on Thursday, April 28th, at 7pm. We are grateful to the Memphis College of Art, who will be co-sponsoring the event with us.

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the first MemFEAST, we've decided to increase the size of the dinner, which will be held on the top floor of the parking garage next to the Sears building (with an obvious nod towards the re-use of old concrete structures in the neighborhood). With the increase in our number of guests and gracious support of various sponsors, we're able to offer an award of $5000 for the artist who receives the most votes for their proposal, so we're expecting the night to be full of interesting and compelling art ideas.

Tickets must be purchased in advance for the dinner and are available through PayPal here. (Don't forget to add the names of each guest in the 'special instructions' link when checking out on PayPal.)

For more information on the FEAST concept or for the details of submitting an artist proposal please go here.

Hope to see you there!
Chris

"Interbeing" Mural at Central High School by Josh Sarantitis

2011-03-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Just in case you've driven past Central High School in the past couple of days and wondered "Wow, what's going on?" That cool mural you're seeing being installed before your very eyes is the latest work of public art coordinated by UrbanArt created by renowned mural artist Josh Sarantitis.

Here's his concept behind the artwork, developed in conversation with Central High School art students:

The Mural will measure 4,000 sq ft, and be fabricated with a variety of media including glass mosaic tile, cut glass mosaic, and acrylic paint. One hundred students from Central High School have participated in both the design processes, as well as the fabrication and installation. The site is the school's large exterior wall, facing the football/track field (Crump Stadium).

This mural is about "Interbeing", a word first coined by Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh, a close ally to Martin Luther King, Jr, and a leader who promotes peace, truth, and reconciliation throughout the world.

"Interbeing" describes the interrelationship between all people, the environment, and the world as a whole.

The mural has two main hands embracing a broken sphere. this sphere represents the human spirit as well as the spirit of Memphis. The hands are gently piecing the spirit ball back together- making it whole again. Wounds of the past can be healed, but the "scar" does not disappear.

As the word "interbeing" describes, the past is present in our everyday interactions, and in order to fully understand why there is pain and suffering, we must also understand happiness and joy. In this mural, the joys is the color in the movement of line and the almost touching of the two hands.

Finally, the title of the mural "Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory (Take my hand Sweet Lord) because these were the last public words spoken by Dr. King in his speech to support the sanitation worker's strike. And "take my hand" were the last words uttered by Dr. King as he lay dying in front of door #306 at the Lorraine Motel (fyi "#306" the numerical address of Central High School). It is the "Interbeing" of Memphis history, the sadness and joy, that define this mural project.

Josh Sarantitis is using a material called 'Polytab' or 'Parachute Cloth' that can be drawn and painted on indoors, then applied to the wall.

The artist, Josh Sarantitis, working with Central High School art students.

The Artist Josh Sarantitis, and his assistant Greta McLain.

The final design.

City Beautiful Hosts 'Trashion Show' Benefit Event

2011-03-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Lynn Basa Workshop Next Week!

2011-03-18T09:13:00.001-07:00

Lynn Basa "Making the Leap to Public Art" Workshop

2011-03-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt Brings Noted Public Art Educator for Workshop

When: 10a - 2p Thursday 24 March

Where: Adam Shaw Studio, 2549 Broad Avenue (adjacent to UrbanArt office).

What: Presenter Lynn Basa demonstrates methods for developing professional practices of artists interested in pursuing public art careers. Topics include: applying for projects, composing compelling letters of interest, and structuring strong finalist proposals.

Lynn Basa is a practicing public artist, painter, and professor of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is also the author of The Artist's Guide to Public Art: How to Find and Win Commissions.

Lunch is provided.

Admission: $15 students; $25 general public; $45 institutions; FREE for artists of past and current UrbanArt projects with advance RSVP.

Admission fees must be paid in advance for registration. Checks should be made payable to 'UrbanArt Commission', stating 'Basa Talk' in the memo line. Please include a separate sheet of paper indicating the names of everyone attending the session to ensure name tags are printed accurately. Mail checks (or hand deliver) to: UrbanArt, 2549 Broad Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112.

Admission fees may also be paid via PayPal on this blog. See below for payment options.

Location: Adam Shaw Studio, 2547 Broad Avenue.

Contact: Whitney Washington, wwashington@urbanartcommission.org / 901.454.0474.

Lynn Basa "Making the Leap to Public Art" Workshop tickets

2011-03-16T09:22:00.001-07:00

2011-03-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Amy Whitaker's "1-Hr. Business School for Artists"

2011-03-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Amy Whitaker's lecture previewed in the CA today!

2011-03-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

Free lecture by Amy Whitaker!

1-Hour Business School for Artists Free Lecture Series RSVP now!

2011-03-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Amy Whitaker will be hosting a 1-hour Business School for Artists on THIS Thursday, March 10 from 6-7PM. It's FREEEEEEE! rsvp today.

S.Sylve and Whitney Washington on the impact of murals in Memphis

2011-03-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

Siphne Sylve and J. Weeden chop it up about "Board Up Paint Days" Mural Projects!

2011-03-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

2011-03-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hooray for the artists and volunteers that made this first MIFA/UrbanArt Paint Day a success! Thanks to Patrick Howie and Mary Claire Borys of MIFA for securing permission from the property owner and recruiting volunteers. Well done to UrbanArt's Siphne Sylve for her fantastic designs and bringing in local artists to make this community project truly shine. Materials and design support were provided by UrbanArt, whose mission is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through public art. Want to pitch in and paint, or make a donation to the cause? Send an email to Siphne Sylve at 'ssylve@urbanartcommission.org', with 'Paint Days' in the subject line.

1-Hour Business School for Artists Free Lecture Series

2011-02-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

1-HOUR BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR ARTIST

lecture presented by AMY WHITAKER

Money can be a sensitive subject for anyone, but especially for artists who commit a significant amount of their time and energy on work that doesn’t always have a foreseeable financial return. And that’s putting it lightly! Many artists devote a lifetime of their own money into art projects with little hope of ever breaking even!

“1-Hour Business School for Artists” is a lecture co-sponsored by Crosstown Arts and UrbanArt, to address the issue of economics from an artists’ perspective.

Whether it’s earning a living with your non-art day job, living off your work full-time, renting studio space, finding fame and fortune, or starting a design firm from the ground up, the economic life of an artist is complex, but not impossible to manage.

Come spend an hour with Amy Whitaker, writer of “Museum Legs: Fatigue and Hope in the Face of Art” who will talk about economics from an understandable perspective relevant to art makers. Uniquely qualified on the subject with an MFA in painting and an MBA from Yale, Whitaker will cover big-picture economic and finance theory, and some practical applications for use by artists of the supply & demand and time value of money.

Thursday, March 10th.
Crosstown Arts building
427 N. Watkins
Memphis, TN
38104

6pm – Reception (food/drinks provided)
7pm – Lecture (discussion to follow)

Free and Open to the Public

Seating is limited, RSVP to info@urbanartcommission.org today!

Free lecture! Don't miss out.

2011-02-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

                 1-HOUR BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR ARTISTS
                   lecture presented by AMY WHITAKER

   Money can be a sensitive subject for anyone, but especially for artists who commit a significant amount of their time and energy on work that doesn’t always have a foreseeable financial return. And that’s putting it lightly! Many artists devote a lifetime of their own money into art projects with little hope of ever breaking even!

“1-Hour Business School for Artists” is a lecture co-sponsored by Crosstown Arts and UrbanArt, to address the issue of economics from an artists’ perspective.

Whether it’s earning a living with your non-art day job, living off your work full-time, renting studio space, finding fame and fortune, or starting a design firm from the ground up, the economic life of an artist is complex, but not impossible to manage.

Come spend an hour with Amy Whitaker, writer of “Museum Legs: Fatigue and Hope in the Face of Art” who will talk about economics from an understandable perspective relevant to art makers. Uniquely qualified on the subject with an MFA in painting and an MBA from Yale, Whitaker will cover big-picture economic and finance theory, and some practical applications for use by artists of the supply & demand and time value of money.

Thursday, March 10th.

6pm – Reception (food/drinks provided)
7pm – Lecture (discussion to follow)

Free and Open to the Public

Seating is limited, RSVP to info@urbanartcommission.org today!

Frequently Asked Questions about UrbanArt

2011-02-03T04:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

John Weeden here, hoping your 2011 is going well.

From time to time, when the dust settles for an all too rare moment of calm, I am able to turn my attention from the work of fine tuning the mechanics by which UrbanArt fulfills its mission to 'enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art,' to clarify questions about how we do what we do and why. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions that I get as Executive Director.

1. How is UrbanArt funded?

As a non-profit organization, UrbanArt is funded from a variety of sources, both public and private. It receives administrative compensation from each client for whom it produces projects, such as the City of Memphis, Memphis City Schools, the Memphis Area Transit Authority, the Memphis and Shelby County Airport Authority, as well as various non-municipal clients in the private sector, such as Boyle Investment Group, and Rhodes College. However, we also must develop grants from various local and national private foundations every year to keep the lights on and the bills paid. A few of the granting organizations from which we've received support in the past are: ArtsMemphis, the Assisi Foundation, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Hyde Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Finally, we also are fortunate to be the focus of targeted giving from private citizen donors who believe in our mission to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art.

2. What branch of the City government are you under?

A common misconception is that we are a part of the City government. We are not, actually, but are instead a private and independent organization that manages a City-funded program called the 'Percent for Art' program for the City of Memphis as a sub-contractor. We 'commission' artists to create works of public art for the enhancement of our city's built environment, but are not a formal 'Commission' in the traditional sense. The 'Percent for Art' program is housed within the Division of Engineering. There are over 300 such 'Percent for Art' programs in cities across the United States today, the first having been founded in Philadelphia in 1959.

3. Why so many committees?

The short answer is because each project will be uniquely designed to reflect the character, culture, history, and aspirations of the residents of the surrounding neighborhood in which the final work of art is sited. So, each individual project needs its own individual committee to provide the motivating logic behind what the completed piece shall become when finished. Additionally, various sub-committees and ad-hoc temporary committees also review projects depending on what community partner, client, or project type you are proposing. If the thought of navigating a project idea through multiple committees makes your blood run cold, don't be too daunted. Only about 90% of our projects have to be vetted by any combination of 3 (at least) committees at some point during their lifespan from concept to completion. The other 10% are usually grant-funded and only require an idea be reviewed by that particular foundation's Grant Review Committee.

Basically, when you're in the public art business, your fundamental modus operandi is one of action by committee. You will not be the one choosing which projects to do, which artists to commission, or where to even install the projects. Your job will be to inform those individuals comprising those committees as to the rules of the road, provide them with the data and background information required per every project, then pray they choose something wonderful over something not. If your processes are engineered soundly, and administered consistently with a high level of organization and professionalism, then the chances are such committees will deliver likewise sound results. If your game is not tight, it will show. I am currently 2.5 years into a game-tightening process with our work, and it will continue for the foreseeable future while we continuously seek to refine the way we manage our projects.

Note: If a private sponsor wishes to retain our services to develop a project without committees, that is more than okay, too!

4. Why does it take so long to produce the projects?

See the description of committees above (ha!). No, but seriously, it requires us approximately 400 staff hours per project from start to finish. That's about 50 individual 8-hour days. Now, if we could tackle one project at a time and devote 50 straight days to it with all partners dropping everything else they were doing to give us their full attention for the duration of the process, you'd see things turned around in an astonishing pace. However, the reality is that everyone else is not solely devoted to your project's needs, and that the seemingly simple acts of scheduling, selecting, contracting, reviewing, approving, fabricating, installing, and celebrating each project are not simple at all! It is far more akin to the process of a tailor building a bespoke suit, customizing each pattern and panel to fit the individual who shall wind up wearing the finished garment, rather than going to Target and pulling a t-shirt off the rack. One size most definitely does not fit all. A good timetable is approximately 18 months. We are now aiming for 1 year from funding to dedication ceremony, but we're not there yet. In some cases, it can take a lot, lot longer (I say with steam emitting from my ears...).

5. Why don't you just write grants to fund public art projects?

Essentially, we would love to, but we are not able to currently devote the time it takes to appropriately research grants for which we are eligible, establish working relationships with such granting organizations, then develop and write grant proposals on an ongoing basis with the substance it truly requires to garner enough funding (reliably) to make it worth our time in diverting staff hours from managing our projects caseload. In short, we are so busy coordinating all the public art projects for our existing partners, that we are rarely able to develop new funding partners for other types of projects like new media works or biennials, etc. I would love to pursue expanded definitions of public art projects being produced by the likes of Art Angel UK, Creative Time, Figment, Site Santa Fe, Prospect New Orleans, and Digital Graffiti, but the reality is there is not enough financial support for such projects in Memphis, and not enough public clamor to see it that such support might be more forthcoming. That being said, we are constantly researching the possibilities.

6. How does the artist for each project get selected?

Each artist we commission to do a project is selected by an individual selection committee assembled for that specific project. See our Artist Handbook for details on our website under 'Artist Information' then 'Sample Documents'. To summarize, we issue a 'Request for Qualifications' (RFQ) for every project that describes what it's all about. Then the committees make the decisions. After an artist is selected we coordinate the design reviews, approvals, and fabrication processes.

7. Why don't you do more anti-blight type of design 'clean ups' on underpasses, etc.?

I think this could be a tremendous campaign with phenomenal impact upon the visual appearance of the city, as well as provide excellent opportunities for community building, but essentially we don't have the required permission to do it in a manner that is cost effective. Underpasses can be controlled by a variety of property owners, and obtaining the go ahead is incredibly time consuming. Years, brother, years. Since we are a bona fide organization that follows the rules, we do not advocate 'doing it yourself'. Meanwhile...these concrete whales continue to make our eyes sore through the town.

8. Why don't you create a project for ________ location?

Property ownership and permission has a lot to do with the site that we are able to produce projects on. If the owner doesn't want a project on a particular site they control, it is out of our hands unless we can convince them otherwise.

Video: Amy Whitaker on Art and Business

2011-02-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

Video: Amy Whitaker speaks to RISD Freshmen about art and business.

UrbanArt co-hosts Amy Whitaker talk with Crosstown Arts

2011-02-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

UrbanArt teams up with Crosstown Arts to host a talk on 'Business School for Artists' by Amy Whitaker at 6p Thursday 03 March at Crosstown Arts, 427 N. Watkins (just South of the Sears building, across from The Edge Coffeeshop and Living Water Community Church). Whitaker has an M.B.A. from Yale and an M.F.A in painting from the Slade School of Fine Art in London. She has worked in art museums including the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Tate, and for a well-known artist and a well-known hedge fund.

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited to 75.

Food and drink shall be provided.

Please RSVP to info@urbanartcommission.org, with the subject line 'Whitaker Talk' indicating the number of people for which you wish to reserve space, and include their names.

For more information on Whitaker, check out her website.

Making Crayons | Sesame Street Classic | PBS Video

2010-12-31T06:56:00.000-08:00

Making Crayons | Sesame Street Classic | PBS Video

Vote for UrbanArt!

2010-12-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

http://chuckhuttontoyota.org/

Remember to VOTE UrbanArt!

Chuck Hutton Toyota's 'We Care We Share' campaign as selected UrbanArt as one of 6 local non-profits to compete for a share of $20,000! Follow the instructions and vote for UrbanArt! The award will go to painting community murals througout Memphis!

UrbanArt Video Tutorial: How to Apply for Project Commissions

2010-12-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

Be kind with your criticism as we experiment with our first D-I-Y video tutorial on how to pursue an UrbanArt project commission! This segment describes how to interpret and apply to a project RFQ. It is a very rough cut, and we will most likely re-shoot it entirely, but the demand for such information has been so great that we didn't think you'd mind a few frayed edges on the production values in exchange for the excellent information it provides. Enjoy!

Show your support with an UrbanArt window sticker!

2010-12-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

Car window stickers are in and available for free! If you would like a free UrbanArt car window sticker, just send an email with your postal address to Whitney Washington at wwashington@urbanartcommission.org, she will mail you 2!

Electroland's 'Lightspan', Memphis

2010-12-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

Check this out!

Electroland's Damon Seeley and Cameron McNall designed this wonderful interactive light piece for the City of Memphis Percent for Art Program.

Vote for UrbanArt: We Care We Share Campaign

2010-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

UrbanArt has been selected as one of 6 local non-profits to compete for a share of $20,000 as a part of Chuck Hutton Toyota's 'We Care We Share' campaign.

Please follow the instructions via this LINK and vote for UrbanArt!

Any award received will go towards painting community murals throughout Memphis!

Charjean Park Site Photos

2010-12-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

Downtown Memphis Public Art

2010-12-01T07:02:00.001-08:00

Public art projects coordinated by UrbanArt in Downtown Memphis only.

[*NOTE: there is a great deal more all over town!]

1. The large-scale mural adjacent to Redbirds Stadium on Madison Avenue.

2. The mural consisting of a series of icons adjacent to Central Station in South Main.

3. A series of 'poetry panels' in South Main

4. The Tom Lee Memorial in Tom Lee Park

5-9. The Trolley Stops along Madison Avenue at Redbirds Stadium, Danny Thomas Blvd., Orleans, Dunlap, and Cleveland

10. Sculpture at Auction Street traffic circle

11-14. Art at the Cannon Center (inside and out)

15. Shade structure sculpture in Vance Park

16. A collection of multiple wall-hanging art works at the new University of Memphis Law School

17. A collection of multiple wall-hanging art works at City Hall

18. City Hall plaza equipment screen

19-20. Bike racks at Tennessee Street and Harbor Town

21. Interactive lighting design at Court Avenue pedestrian bridge

22-26. 'Curious Pictures' video art series

27-30. Temporary projects in various Downtown locations to mark our 10th Anniversary

New projects currently in progress:

31. Uptown Gateway sculpture

32. University Place sculpture

33. Chickasaw Heritage Park sculpture

34. Legends Park neighborhood identification emblems

35-36. Beale Street Landing paving and sculpture

37. Multiple works of art for the Direct Purchase Collection

38. Mural school projects

Additionally, we often work with the Center City Commission to develop grant proposals for their initiatives, and we routinely present to the Memphis Regional Design Center's educational workshops about the importance of public art in cultivating vibrant and dynamic urban spaces in Downtown and elsewhere.

We view Downtown as a vital and creative crucible for the culture of our city, and will continue our work towards coordinating public art projects in the area for as long as I am Executive Director.

UrbanArt Request for Qualifications for Charjean Park--Deadline Extended

2010-12-01T02:58:00.000-08:00

Site and Project Descriptions:

UrbanArt and the City of Memphis are commissioning a work of public art for Charjean Park located on Ketchum Rd at Crosby near Airways Blvd and I-240. This park can be seen from the I-240 Expressway.

The commissioned will be selected based on previous experience with the design and production of exterior public art sculptures. Applicants are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project must require little to no regular maintenance.

Scope of Work:

The selection committee seeks to create a wayfinding system that will be placed around the walking trail for children that are utilizing the park from Airways Middle School and the nearby neighborhood. The wayfinding system should include motivational slogans or quotes that promote success and leadership. Final artwork should compliment the characteristics and neighborhood identity of the site. The artist selected shall be expected to conduct community workshops with the general public for education purposes, as well as collaborate closely with site architects and designers. NOTE: commissioned artists are permitted to work with outside contractors to fabricate the actual work of art.

The selection committee will select 3 finalists based on their qualifications, and interview each individually before selecting 1 artist (or artist team). Finalists will receive $1,500 for a design proposal, which will be discussed in the interview.

Budget: $59,250

Deadline: 4P Friday 07 January 2010

Eligibility: National: Artists currently living in the United States of America.

NOTE: Artists are allowed a maximum of 2 City of Memphis Percent for Art Program commissions within any 5 year period.

Guidelines:

Please see http://www.urbanartcommission.org/sampledocuments.html, for the UrbanArt Artist Handbook, for detailed instructions for applying to UrbanArt projects and how the selection process works.

Please submit the following:

· Typed, one-page letter of interest noting the project for which you are applying. Explain your interest and your general approach to its design and production. Note: this should not take the form of a formal design proposal, but rather a description of your methods for producing a design and finished project if selected.

· Résumé, not to exceed 2 pages.

· Recent images of your work that are relevant to this project and are good representations of your style of work.

· Image identification sheet with location, brief description, and project budget.

· List of three professional references, including current phone and email.

· Complete applicant’s packet should be composed as a single PDF document only. Hardcopy packets shall not be accepted.

· Materials should be submitted via CD-R or email only.

· Optional: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. CD-R’s will not be returned without one.

NOTE: Application materials not prepared according to the format outlined above will not be reviewed.

Send applications to:

UrbanArt Commission

Attn: Charjean Park

2549 Broad Avenue

Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Tiena Gwin, Projects Manager

(901) 454-0474 / tgwin@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4P Friday 07 January 2011.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are

implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.

UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.

UrbanArt reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, UrbanArt may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserves the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call.

The staff of UrbanArt shall be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be in the sole discretion of UrbanArt.

Take the ArtSpace Memphis Survey!

2010-11-10T08:34:00.001-08:00

Kerry Hayes from the Mayor's office, the Hyde Foundation, and ArtsMemphis are hosting ArtSpace from Minneapolis to conduct a study of Memphis artists' housing and work space needs.

The results will fuel further initiatives designed to make ideas for cultivating a community in which its artists are able to thrive into reality.

Take the survey HERE!

RFQ for Plough Blvd. Sculpture - Design Phase

2010-11-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

Request for Qualifications for Plough Blvd. Sculpture - Design Phase

Site and Project Descriptions:
UrbanArt and the City of Memphis are commissioning an artist or artist team to design a single sculptural art piece or series of sculptural works to be installed along Plough Boulevard between Winchester and Democrat Road. The first phase of the commission will be for the design phase of the project.

Artists will be selected based on previous experience with the production of exterior public art sculptures. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project must require little to no regular maintenance. The selection committee is also interested in artists who have experience with vandalism deterring methods and applications. Final artwork should compliment the characteristics and identity of the site. The selection committee is interested in submissions that propose works of art that will function as an iconic gateway for visitors and citizens, alike, as they enter and leave Memphis. The artist selected shall be expected to conduct community workshops with the general public for education purposes.

The selection committee will select 3 finalists based on their qualifications, and interview each individually before selecting 1 artist (or artist team). Finalists will receive $1,500 for a design proposal, which will be discussed in the interview. The selected artist will design the public art plan for this site in coordination with UrbanArt Commission staff and project Landscape Architect, including budget remit for production. The production budget will be proposed to City Council for funding.

Budget:               $65,500 for design phase only
Deadline:             4:00 PM, Friday, 3 December 2010
Eligibility:             Local, Regional, National, and International Artists

Guidelines:
Please see http://www.urbanartcommission.org/sampledocuments.html, particularly the UrbanArt Artist Handbook, for more information about applying to UrbanArt projects and how the selection process works.

Please submit the following:

Typed, one-page letter of interest noting the project for which you are applying. Explain you interest and your general approach to its design and production. Note: this should not take the form of a formal design proposal, but rather a description of your methods for producing a design and finished project if selected.
A sketch is not required, but may be included. Sketches must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Please do not send original artwork.
Résumé, not to exceed 2 pages.
Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are relevant to this project and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.
Image identification sheet with location, brief description, and budget of each project
List of three professional references, including current phone numbers and email addresses
Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.Materials may also be submitted in PDF format via email to: info@urbanartcommission.org

Send applications to:
UrbanArt Commission
Attn: Plough Boulevard - Design Phase
2549 Broad Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Rodney Coleman, Projects Manager
(901) 454-0472 / rcoleman@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4:00 PM, Friday, 03 December 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are
implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.

UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.

UrbanArt reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, UrbanArt may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserves the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call.

The staff of UrbanArt shall be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be in the sole discretion of UrbanArt.

UrbanArt's mission is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art.

UrbanArt RFQ for Direct Purchase Program

2010-11-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt Request for Qualifications for Direct Purchase Program

Direct Purchase Program Descriptions:

UrbanArt and the City of Memphis are seeking to purchase works by local artists for the City of Memphis Direct Purchase Program. The Direct Purchase shall be comprised of a collection of artworks by local artists and shall represent a diverse range of medium, style, subject matter and scale.

Artists will be selected based on the content of their portfolio and previous experience as a practicing artist. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to advise the selection committee on the installation and maintenance of the proposed works. The work must require little to no regular maintenance. Two-dimensional works suitable for wall installation will be given preference. Submitted artwork should be installation-ready and should not require framing. Three-dimensional artwork will only be considered if the artist also proposes a way to secure and protect the artwork in a public space.

Purpose of the Direct Purchase Program:

To acquire and display of a collection of moveable artworks by the Memphis artists in public venues throughout the City of Memphis, as well as:
Provide community members with aesthetic and educational experiences from artworks in public places.
Stimulate broader interest in artworks created by artists working and living in the City of Memphis.
Provide greater opportunities for local artists to participate in the City of Memphis Percent for Art Program.
Provide a cultural archive for future generations of citizens.

The selection committee will select artworks based on their quality.

Budget: Works between $500 and $2,500

Deadline: 4:00 PM, Friday 3 December 2010

Eligibility: Artists living in Memphis or Shelby County for 2 years

Guidelines:

Please see http://www.urbanartcommission.org/sampledocuments.html, particularly the UrbanArt Artist Handbook, for more information about applying to UrbanArt projects and how the selection process works.

Please submit the following:

Typed, one-page letter of interest that notes your interest in applying to the City of Memphis Direct Purchase Program.
Resumé, not to exceed 2 pages.
Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are suitable for installation in high traffic interior settings and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.
Image identification sheet with title, medium, date, and price information
List of three professional references, including current phone numbers and email addresses
Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.
Materials may also be submitted electronically in PDF format via email to: info@urbanartcommission.org

Send applications to:

UrbanArt Commission

Attn: Direct Purchase Program

2549 Broad Avenue

Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Whitney Ranson, Projects Manager

(901) 454-0475 / wranson@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4:00 PM, Friday 3 December 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are

implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.

UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.

UrbanArt's mission is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art.

UrbanArt RFQ for Mural Program

2010-11-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Site and Project Descriptions:

UrbanArt and the City of Memphis seek seven local artists for participation in the inaugural UrbanArt Mural Program, which shall result in the production of seven murals.

Artists will be selected based on previous experience with the design and production of public art murals. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project must require little to no regular maintenance.

Scope of Work:

The selection committee is aiming to select seven local artists with design or painting experience. Strongly encouraging recent art school graduates to apply. The murals will be designed in such a way that commissioned artists are groomed in the process of mural making. The mural sites will be determined within each of the seven city council districts through a collaborative process between the selected artists, community groups, and UrbanArt staff. The estimated completion date will be within a year of selection of artists. The artists selected shall be expected to conduct community workshops with the general public for education purposes, as well as collaborate closely with site architects and controlling authorities.

The selection committee will select 3 finalists for each district (21 total finalists) based on their qualifications, and interviews of each individually before selecting 7 artists (or artist teams).

Budget: $26,642 per selected artist

Deadline: 4P Friday 03 December 2010

Eligibility: Local: Artists living in Memphis Statistical Area for 2 years.

NOTE: Artists are allowed a maximum of 2 City of Memphis Percent for Art Program commissions within any 5 year period.

Guidelines:

Please submit the following:

Typed, one-page letter of interest noting the project for which you are applying. Explain your interest and your general approach to its design and production. Note: this should not take the form of a formal design proposal, but rather a description of your methods for producing a design and finished project if selected.
Résumé, not to exceed 2 pages.
Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are relevant to this project and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.
Image identification sheet with location, brief description, and project budget.
List of three professional references, including current phone and email.
Optional: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.
Materials may also be submitted as PDF files via email to info@urbanartcommission.org.

Send applications to:

UrbanArt Commission

Attn: Mural Program

2549 Broad Avenue

Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Siphne Sylve, Mural Program Coordinator

(901) 454-0474 / ssylve@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4P Friday 03 December 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are

implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.

UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.

Brooke Foy's 'Tall Tales' Dedication Ceremony

2010-10-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ms. Brooke Foy on the completion of her concrete book maze titled 'Tall Tales'. The life size concrete books were recently installed behind the Cordova Branch Library by Brooke and her team of helpers. It will serve as an interactive art piece for people of all ages, so check it out! Thanks for helping make Memphis BEAUTIFUL, Brooke!

Photos are on our Facebook page!

Moveable Collection Tours and Dedication of Court Avenue Bridge Public Art

2010-10-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

MEMPHIS, TN- The UrbanArt Commission and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law are co-hosting a special event on Thursday, October 22 from 6 to 8 PM.

Guided tours of UrbanArt's Moveable Art Collection on display in the new law school will be followed by a dedication ceremony honoring Cameron McNall and Damon Seeley of Electroland studio, the designers of the light display on the Court Avenue Bridge.

There will be a reception held in the law school with guided tours at 6:15p and 6:30p. At 7p the event will move to the back terrace of the law school to celebrate the public art project.

The mission of the UrbanArt Commission (501c3) is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art. UrbanArt is funded in part by the City of Memphis, ArtsMemphis, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Call to Artists! Broad Avenue DIY Sculpture Garden 19-20 NOV 10

2010-10-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Site and Project Descriptions:
The Historic Broad Business Association and Livable Memphis are offering artists the opportunity to create a DIY Sculpture Garden. The Sculpture Garden will be open to the public and a featured exhibit during the “A New Face for an Old Broad” event on November 19 and 20.

The Sculpture Garden will be located in a secure area on Broad Avenue between Bingham and Collins. The area is a fenced yard, but is accessible to the public from the street. The event is expected to draw between 3,000 – 5,000 people over the two days.

Memphians can see and enjoy the future when the Historic Broad Business Association and Livable Memphis bring their vision for the arts district and livable communities into existence for these two days.

To create an urban facelift, the current artist studios, galleries and restaurants will be joined by additional retail, food, art and activities that will be housed in the current vacant buildings along Broad Avenue. In addition, bike lanes and greenscapes will magically appear when the street is temporarily repainted and planted for the event. The purpose of the event is to create a 'Main Street' design that encourages bike and pedestrian traffic – thus being a role model for those seeking to create more livable neighborhoods.

Scope of Work:
The sculpture must be appropriate for all ages and able to be safely displayed outside in various weather conditions. Artists may decorate their immediate area as they desire, list their sculpture for sale and be present during the event to solicit commission work. Artists may exhibit a piece of sculpture from their current portfolio or create something new. Given the nature of the event, sculpture that complements the themes of the event (biking and walking communities) will be given premium positioning and might be used in publicity for the event – with credit given to the artist.

The artist is responsible for the installation of the sculpture on Thursday, November 18 (3 – 7 pm) or Friday, November 19 (9am – noon). Artists may pick up their respective sculpture on Sunday, November 21 (10am – 2pm). Neither the Historic Broad Business Association nor Livable Memphis assumes any responsibility for theft or damage to the sculpture during the event. However, please note that the DIY Sculpture Garden will be locked after hours.

Deadline: 4P Friday 05 November 2010
Eligibility: Open

Guidelines:
Please submit the following:
• DIGITAL image(s) of the sculpture you will place in the garden during the event.
• Image identification sheet with name of piece, materials and retail price (if you want to list the sculpture for sale).

Email to:
TCliftonArt@comcast.net
Subject – sculpture park

For more information contact:
Pat Brown, Historic Broad Business Association
tcliftonart@comcast.net

All requests to participate must be received by 4P Friday 05 November 2010.

Get Lost in Books!

2010-10-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2010

Contact: Rodney Coleman, (901)454-0474

Tall Tales Dedication Ceremony

Saturday, October 16^th, Cordova Branch Library: The Urban Art Commission presents Brooke Foy’s recently installed maze-sculpture, Tall Tales at the Cordova Branch Library at 2123 Trinity Road. The ceremony begins at 10:30 AM.
Have you ever dreamed of flying to Neverland with Peter and Wendy? Or imagined tiptoeing through the Secret Garden like Mary? Maybe you’ve even tried climbing into a wardrobe in search of a magic world on the other side?
Now, you can let your imagination run wild at the Cordova Branch Library with Brooke Foy’s newest sculpture, Tall Tales. The recently completed installation is a maze of life-sized concrete books spanning a 1,000 square ft. space behind the library. Each colorful book makes up the walls to the maze and 19 tile book titles grace the covers of the gigantic book structures. Both children and adults are sure to enjoy climbing, standing, and sitting on the gigantic books in the safety-surfaced playground.
The artist Brooke Foy is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. She received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, and is a recent graduate of the University of Memphis with a Master’s of Fine Arts in sculpture.
The Cordova Branch Library and the Bert Ferguson Community Center are epicenters of activity for people from ages 3 to 63. The sites offer a plethora of educational, art and exercise programs to everyone in the community. With the library providing a quiet place to study or get lost in a novel, there is no better place to have a community sculpture for all to enjoy. The once empty lot has been transformed into an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood landmark thanks to Brooke Foy’s Tall Tale book maze.

The mission of the UrbanArt Commission (501c3) is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art.

Charjean Park RFQ

2010-10-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt Request for Qualifications for Charjean Park

Site and Project Descriptions:
UrbanArt and the City of Memphis are commissioning a work of public art for Charjean Park located on Ketchum Rd at Crosby near Airways Blvd and I-240. This park can be seen from the I-240 Expressway.
Artists will be selected based on previous experience with the design and production of exterior public art sculptures. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project must require little to no regular maintenance.

Scope of Work:
The selection committee is interested in proposals that create a wayfinding system that will be placed around the walking trail for children that are utilizing the park from Airways Middle School and the nearby neighborhood. The wayfinding system should include inspirational/motivational slogans or quotes that promote success and leadership. Final artwork should compliment the characteristics and neighborhood identity of the site. The artist selected shall be expected to conduct community workshops with the general public for education purposes, as well as collaborate closely with site architects and designers. Note that artists are permitted to work with outside contractors to fabricate the actual work.
The selection committee will select 3 finalists based on their qualifications, and interview each individually before selecting 1 artist (or artist team). Finalists will receive $1,500 for a design proposal, which will be discussed in the interview.

Budget: $59,250
Deadline: 4P Friday 05 November 2010
Eligibility: Local: Artists living in Memphis or Shelby County for 2 years

Guidelines:
Please see http://www.urbanartcommission.org/sampledocuments.html, particularly the UrbanArt Artist Handbook, for more information about applying to UrbanArt projects and how the selection process works.
Please submit the following:
• Typed, one-page letter of interest noting the project for which you are applying. Explain your interest and your general approach to its design and production. Note: this should not take the form of a formal design proposal, but rather a description of your methods for producing a design and finished project if selected.
• Résumé, not to exceed 2 pages.
• Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are relevant to this project and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.
• Image identification sheet with location, brief description, and project budget.
• List of three professional references, including current phone and email.
• Optional: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.

Send applications to:
UrbanArt Commission
Attn: Charjean Park
2549 Broad Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:
Tiena Gwin, Projects Manager
(901) 454-0474 / tgwin@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4P Friday 05 November 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.
Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.
Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are
implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age. UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.
UrbanArt reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, UrbanArt may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserves the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call.The staff of UrbanArt shall be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be in the sole discretion of UrbanArt.

2010-10-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

Come out to UrbanArt tomorrow from 6-8p for Gadsby Creson's exhibition of 40 bike rack maquettes!

Underpasses in Memphis Need Some Mural TLC!

2010-09-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Memphian Fed-up with Eyesore Underpasses,

Let's face it: underpasses are ugly. Memphis has dozens upon dozens of these dilapidated, gross looking, crumbling concrete behemoths throughout the city. They are a prime contributor to the problem of urban blight and make Memphis look bad. It is time to fix that!

Here's how.

Step 1: Pick an underpass. What abysmal, graffiti scrawled nightmare do you have to drive by or through every day? What gaping maw of civic embarrassment do you have to look at on your way to and from work, or taking your kids to school? What monolithic pile of urban neglect makes you cringe when trying to show out of town visitors the bright spots of our fair city? That's probably the underpass you should focus on first. Afraid some other good citizen will beat you to it? Don't worry, there are plenty to choose from!

Step 2: Get permission. This would seem like a fairly straightforward procedure, and in some cases it is, indeed, rather easy. However, it depends on the owner, and the design proposed. Memphis underpasses are owned by a variety of entities, but the 3 primary controlling authorities are usually the City, the State, or the railroad companies. Each requires a different process. So research who owns it first, then get your plan together. Ask for permission to propose a design for painting the underpass, as their permission will always be conditional upon what design you are proposing. This is the hardest step. For example, UrbanArt has been trying to secure a user agreement from a certain railroad to paint a certain underpass for close to a year. Although we've had verbal and email correspondence confirming it is fine for us to paint our selected design from the railroad official, the actual hard copy user agreement seems to never be forthcoming despite repeated reminders on our part and assurances its on the way from them. While I'd love to unleash the community volunteers that are eager to get to work, and who have donated private funds to cover all costs, until I get the signed agreement in hand, I am wary of simply showing up with buckets and ladders. In order of difficulty for getting permission I'd say that City owned underpasses are fairly straightforward as the willingness of the City administration and our partners there are very supportive of the use of community murals as low cost, high impact anti-blight measures. If it is a state controlled Tennessee Department of Transportation held property, that is slightly more involved simply because they are based in Nashville and it takes a bit longer to coordinate permissions, etc. Railroads, from our experience, require the most time because they are primarily based out of state and local communities ideas and desires for improving the visual look of their built assets are generally not a priority. It takes a lot of coordination. A LOT.

Step 3: Gather your crew. Assemble a group of neighbors, business owners, community association representatives, and neighborhood civic leaders who have to drive through these awful eyesores everyday to brainstorm how best to brighten up this beast of blight. You will have to also raise the funds to pay for the supplies and any artist you wish to work with your team.

Step 4: Brainstorm. What do you want to see instead of a monstrosity? Geometric patterns? Figurative historical scenes? If you can dream it, it can indeed be done, but it will affect your budget. Here are some basic rules of thumb that will determine how much funding your civic improvement project requires: Complexity costs. Simplicity saves. Seriously, it's that straightforward. If you want complicated designs, it will require more color, more time, more expertise, and more money. Because these are underpasses and not parkland, most folks will not be using these spaces for family picnics [...or, will they?]. Many of them are poorly lit even in the day time, so, spending a lot of money on any single underpass doesn't make much sense. Good news! It doesn't have to cost much!

Step 5: Establish your budget. In general, I recommend design patterns rather than figurative works unless the area is well lit in daylight. The Soulsville underpasses by Arnold Thompson are an excellent example. Those portraits of Stax Records superstars are a hit! Working with an artist requires that they be fairly compensated for their expertise and time in consulting with your group, making design proposals for your review, and leading the installation process. If your budget does not allow for professional expertise, your group can make the design super simple and do it yourself. While it does require design sense, and knowledge of proper materials and processes, what it requires most is elbow grease! Go to your area hardware store or paint supplier and inquire as to the price for gallon of concrete water sealant, concrete primer, and an all weather concrete paint. Find out what colors they come in and if they vary in price depending on the hue. Ask about the coverage area per gallon of material. For example, how many square feet will one gallon of paint cover? You will also need roller heads, extension rods, step ladders, scrapers, paint stirrers, paint brushes, buckets for mixing paint, and buckets for carrying water for clean up, drop cloths to prevent spills onto the sidewalks, and rags to soak up any messes. You may want goggles to protect your eyes when dealing with the upper areas of columns and ceilings. You will also most likely need to rent or borrow a power washer to clean off the caked on dirt and any loose concrete fragments from the surface. A clean surface is the first step to a well made final product. Painting on a dirty surface is pointless, because the dirt is loose and can flake off, taking your paint with it! You may also want to get a set of orange traffic cones and a 'Slow: Work in Progress' sign to alert traffic of your team's presence.

Step 6: Get to work! Once the site is chosen, permission is granted, teams are set, design is decide, budgets are confirmed, and supplies are collected, you are ready to go! First, you power wash, then water seal, then prime, then paint, then water seal again. Depending on the size of the underpass, the whole installation process should take 2-3 days.

Step 7: Party time! You and your colleagues have worked hard to make Memphis shine, so celebrate your selfless civic works! Crack open a couple of beers, grill out some hot dogs and take lots of photos of your new best pals on your mural team enjoying their newly refashioned streetscape!

Congratulations, proud Memphian, you just made the world a little bit better place to live in.

South Main Street just North of Crump Blvd.

Central Avenue between Lombardy and Flicker

Soulsville gateway murals by Arnold Thompson

'Modern Hieroglyphs' by Anthony Lee

UrbanArt Recent News

2010-09-29T12:36:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are well.

I wanted to share some positive news in the programs and processes of UrbanArt that have recently taken place that we believe will improve the entire way we work in terms of project determination, artist selection, artist payments processing, and overall project completion.

First, we've added new staff! After a period of time where we had no choice but to keep staff levels low as a cost savings measure due to funding decreases related to the economic downturn over the past couple of years, we have been successful in structuring a new funding stream that shall provide for staff numbers appropriate to our projects caseload. Our projects management team is composed of Rodney Coleman, Tiena Gwin, and Whitney Ranson. They shall be administering the selection process for all projects and their production schedules and logistics. Shelley Madison has recently joined our organization as the Business Manager, and shall be coordinating all projects billing, contracts, and benchmarks confirmation, as well as internal controls and compliance matters. Whitney Washington is our Executive Intern performing a variety of tasks from research, projects promotion, and event planning. Siphne Sylve shall be acting as an ad hoc assistant on special projects.

This increase in staff is the result of a resolution approved by the City Council allowing a percentage of the Capital Improvement Projects allocations to be billed for expenses associated with projects' management. Previously, we were receiving a set sum that did not change for several years. This had the deleterious effect of causing the caseload to swell beyond capacity. With the passing of the resolution we will be able to give each project more attention from individual project managers moving forward.

Secondly, after concerted efforts by ourselves and officials within the City administration, we believe we have come to an agreement on measures that should reduce payments turnaround by as much as 1/3 of the previous time frame. Included in these changes are: setting up electronic payments of invoices to UrbanArt, weighting benchmark compensation percentages toward the front end of the project so that materials sourcing is swifter, and layering of design and fabrication invoices so that payments can potentially be parcelled in larger sums over fewer installments over the course of the project's production.

Next, we shall be condensing the selection process in a manner that builds increased levels of community engagement prior to contracting the final artist to assist smoother approvals through selection committees. Additionally, PAOC members shall be invited to attend individual selection committee meetings, and selection committees for individual projects shall be requested to attend those PAOC (Public Art Oversight Committee, responsible for program functions and projects confirmations) where their projects are to be discussed. We believe this will also streamline the process.

Regarding artist's selection, the PAOC has approved providing honorariums up to $1,500 per artist for up to 3 artists per project for design proposals. This shall be policy across the board. I will be sending an e-newsletter with additional detailed information on new selection process steps in the coming week or so. If you are not receiving our e-newsletter, please send an email to info@urbanartcommission.org, and request to be added to the 'Constant Contact Artist Opportunities' list.

Pertaining to the amount of a project's budget recouped by individual artists for their work on a project, we've devised a system that we believe has the potential to make it where artists could consistently garner up to 20% of the entire project budget for their design fees and fabrication labor costs. Nationwide, 10-15% is considered standard. This is a new metric with new mechanics, so understand that 20% may not always be possible, but that we are working to make it the case more often than not.

Whereas the City ordinance that founded the Percent for Art program mandates 60% of those projects be completed by local artists in a 5 year period, we are now closing in on the 90% mark and believe this statistic will hold between the 80-90% level fairly consistently in the future. We still love artists based nationally and abroad, but their engagement will be more specifically targeted moving forward.

We are also formalizing a series of professional development workshops that will cover all these developments and more, to begin in the Spring that will be free of charge to all local artists and art students.

Lastly, [*for now!] whereas historically the program produced projects primarily in association with new City capital improvement building projects, we are now permitted to produce projects on any appropriate City owned property or parcel of land. For example, the 7 District Gateways currently in the midst of their selection process, and the FY11 Public Art Plan mural projects and Plough Blvd. sculpture [*RFQ's coming soon!] are all being produced in sites independent of new construction. We feel this will enable the general public increased accessibility to art throughout the city.

I greatly appreciate the encouragement, patience, and support you've all provided the organization over the years. Would you consider doing me a personal favor by assisting us in communicating the strides UrbanArt has made in its efforts to refine the processes by which large-scale public art projects are produced in Memphis? If friends or colleagues casually wonder what UrbanArt is working on, please tell them!

We fully realize there will always be room for improvement, and that other issues will occasionally arise. Please know that the task of perfecting our programs and procedures that affect the artists we work with to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art is one that the UrbanArt staff, its Board of Directors, its municipal and private partners, and I personally view as a top priority. Please be patient while we put these new policies and procedures into effect.

Also, if you have a question about how something works, or a concern that an aspect of our program is not working as well as it could, please let me know. Send me an email with any quick ideas or inquiries. If you would like to know more about a specific aspect of our work or a particular process that may require detailed explanation, it may me a few days to get back to you because of our current workload, but I will get back to you. Just let me know.

The artists that make all our work worth the effort deserve the best experience possible. Our neighbors in the city and metropolitan area at large will no doubt benefit from the public art produced as a result. I look forward to seeing UrbanArt's endeavors flourish in the future and for the public art landscape of our hometown of Memphis to grow ever more dynamic because of your ongoing support.

Thank you.

Be well,

John Weeden
Executive Director
UrbanArt Commission
jweeden@urbanartcommission.org

UrbanArt's mission is to enhance
the cultural vibrancy of our community
through the development of public art.

UrbanArt Staff

Rodney Coleman

Tiena Gwin

Shelley Madison

Whitney Ranson

Siphne Sylve

Whitney Washington

John Weeden

UrbanArt 'Work in Progress' Exhibtion Series

2010-09-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

GADSBY CRESON: 40 BIKE RACK MAQUETTES

Friday October 8 will be the opening night of the second exhibition in the UrbanArt exhibition series, Work in Progress, highlighting innovative urban design in the public realm. The first exhibition in the series, 40 Bike Rack Maquettes, is recent work by native Memphian, Gadsby Creson. This series of maquettes explores the opportunity to create functional and innovative designs for bike racks. The artist’s hope is that the maquettes will eventually be used as blueprints for bike racks around the City of Memphis.

Creson earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Tufts University/School of the Museum of Fine Arts and is currently a candidate for a Masters of Fine Arts degree at Memphis College of Art.

The opening for 40 Bike Rack Maquettes will be held on Friday October 8 from 6 – 8 PM at the UrbanArt office on Broad Avenue. The exhibition will last from October 8, 2010 through January 28, 2011. Viewings of the exhibition will be by appointment only. To schedule an appointment to view the exhibition after the opening, please contact info@urbanartcommission.org

For questions about the Work in Progress exhibition series please contact Whitney Ranson at wranson@urbanartcommission.org or 901.454.0474.

The mission of UrbanArt is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art.

For information on how you can support innovative public art experiences in Memphis, contact info@urbanartcommission.org

Live From Memphis to light up the Wellworks Building on Friday September 24 for 'Curious Pictures'

2010-09-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Transmission is a collection of 3 short films to be projected one night only onto the Wellworks building at the corner of Main St. and Madison Ave. in downtown Memphis.

Transmission is presented by Live From Memphis as part of the Urban Art Commission's "Curious Pictures" project. The program will run on a loop from 8-9pm.

The Pieces

"River Rising"

A collaboration between spoken-word artist tamE and LFM filmmakers, this experimental film couples artful linguistics with archival and avant-garde video to create a truly poetic commentary on the television of our society. Or, in the infamous words of Mike TeeVee, "Why is everything here completely pointless?"

"…and things of that nature"

A collection of footage shot over the past five years by an eccentric group of transient filmmakers, set to the darkly schizophrenic tunes of ninjacat, and viciously blended together with the editorial stylings of madbrad to ensure maximum lunacy. "What the @#&! was that? Let's watch it again!"

"iSarah"

A collection of footage shot entirely on the iPhone 3GS by LFM filmmaker Sarah Fleming. Edited by LFM filmmaker Christopher Reyes and set to music by the Memphis-based experimental duo Overjoid.

Curious Pictures is sponsored in part by the First Tennessee Foundation Award for Innovation in the Arts and the Center City Commission.

2010-09-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

The UrbanArt Commisson and the Center City Commission have teamed up tobring 'Curious Pictures' to Memphis. The city has never before seen or experienced art on this scale before, as works from various local artists will be projected onto historical downtown buildings through every Friday through October (see below for schedule of events).

The first event was a success as Jill Wissmiller showcased her original works on the the north facade of the Orpheum Theater. Attendees got the chance to get crafty with various odds and ends that Jill provided and project their own work onto the building. Many were able to show Memphis their best karaoke skills as songs were also projected and music blared in the Orpheum's Central Parking lot. Jill also built a Magic Meaning Making Machine that viewers chilled out in and enjoyed Pickles on a Stick, beverages and other snacks that were on the menu. There was a great turnout and this set the bar for the following Curiuous Pictures events. Good job, Jill! Thanks to all of those who supported!

Check out more pictures on our Facebook fan page! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4924679&id=8152689478&ref=fbx_album#!/pages/Memphis-TN/Urban-Art-Commission/8152689478

2010-09-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

The first 'Curious Pictures' projection will take place Friday September 10 at 8:00 PM. Jill Wissmiller will be projecting on the north facade of the Orpheum Theater from the parking lot between Peabody Place and Beale Street. See the map below. Come collaborate with Jill as she transforms the Orpheum Theater!

UrbanArt to Light Up Downtown Memphis with 'Curious Pictures'

2010-09-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

07 September 2010

Friday September 10 will be the inaugural evening of a series of outdoor video art exhibitions never before seen in Memphis hosted by UrbanArt and the Center City Commission.

Curious Pictures is a downtown installation of works created and curated by local artists that will take place each Friday evening from September 10 through October 8. These video vignettes will be projected onto various buildings in Downtown Memphis to bring life to our cityscape and demonstrate the possibilities and potential of new media art within the public realm.

Original video work created by local artist Jill Wissmiller will be projected onto the north side of the historic Orpheum Theater. Wissmiller’s Magic Meaning Making Machine came from the concept of theatrical staging and will allow viewers to participate in a collaborative performance with the artist that will be projected onto one of Memphis’ most historic arts spaces.

On the evening of Friday September 17 Erik Jambor of Indie Memphis will activate the north wall of the Jolly Royal Furniture Store with work by Godfrey Reggio as he transforms Gayoso Avenue into a walk-up theater. Jambor will be showing the first film of Reggio’s QATSI trilogy, KOYAANISQATSI, which is an exploration of the contrast between technology and the environment. The following Friday night, September 24, Sarah Fleming and Christopher Reyes of Live From Memphis will light up Center Lane near the Madison Hotel with their unique interpretation of video art today.

On Friday October 1 Alex Harrison will bring the eastern façade of the Waterford Building at Front and Beale to life with a polychromatic experience of color and light that will be accompanied by the musical talents of his band, The Warble.

The final evening of the Curious Pictures event will take place on October 8 on the Main Street Mall behind 1 Commerce Square with a projection of original video work by local artist Brian Dixon. Additional work by Matt Ducklo, Chris Miner, and Matthias Mueller and Christoph Giradet will also be projected on the evening of October 8.
ALL PROJECTIONS START AT 8P and END AT 11:30P.

Please join us as we light up downtown Memphis with video work by Memphis artists. This project was made possible with the support of a First Tennessee Award for Innovation in the Arts and the Center City Commission.

All projections start at 8p and end at 11:30p.

For questions about Curious Pictures please contact Whitney Ranson at wranson@urbanartcommission.org or 901.454.0474.

The mission of UrbanArt is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art.

For information on how you can support innovative public art experiences in Memphis, contact info@urbanartcommission.org

Correction to Skate Park RFQ 8/31/10

2010-08-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

UrbanArt Call-to-Artists for Skate Park Artwork:

Site and Project Descriptions:

UrbanArt and the City of Memphis are commissioning a work of public art for the new Skate Park at Tobey Park.

Artists will be selected based on previous experience with the design and production of exterior public art sculptures. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project must require little to no regular maintenance. The selection committee is interested in proposals that include shaded seating and are also interested in functional, skate-able work. Final artwork should compliment the characteristics and neighborhood identity of the site. The artist selected shall be expected to conduct community workshops with the general public for education purposes, as well as collaborate closely with site architects and designers. Note that artists are permitted to work with outside contractors to fabricate the actual work.

Budget: $59,250 total

Deadline: 4:00 PM, Friday, October 8, 2010

Eligibility: Local: Artists living in Memphis or Shelby County for 5 years[i]

Guidelines:

Please submit the following:

· Typed, one-page letter of interest explains your interest in this project and your general approach to the project. (note small correction made-this is NOT a mural project!)

· A sketch is not required, but may be included. Sketches must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Please do not send original artwork.

· Resumé, not to exceed 2 pages.

· Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are relevant to this project and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.

· Image identification sheet with location, brief description, and budget of each project

· List of three professional references, including current phone numbers and email addresses

· Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.

Send applications to:

UrbanArt Commission

Attn: Skate Park

2549 Broad Avenue

Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Whitney Ranson, Projects Manager

(901) 454-0474 / wranson@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4:00 PM, Friday, October 8, 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are

implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.

UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.

[i] Artists that have produced two City of Memphis 'Percent for Art' projects in the last 5 years are not eligible for this project as mandated by City ordinance.

How It Works: Selection Committees
[*NOTE: This is a description of how Selection Committees determine an artist for the City of Memphis' Percent-for-Art program, specifically. Other clients often stipulate different processes of artist selection not covered in this issue of the newsletter. It should be also noted that the details provided below are an abridged version of the entire set of guidelines regulating the program.]

A typical Percent-for-Art program project in Memphis requires approximately 100 hours of coordination from concept to completion. Selection Committee members meet for an average of 10 hours over the course of 5 meetings to determine an artist for a Percent-for-Art project. Once the artist is selected, committee members meet to review the artists' progress at least 3 more times before completion. All committee members are volunteers.

Guidelines Governing Selection Committees for the Percent-for-Art Program:

1. The UrbanArt Commission (UAC) and City of Memphis convenes a Selection Committee for each project that has been approved by the Public Art Oversight Committee (PAOC).

Selection Committees consist of:

Architect Representatives
Visual Artists not eligible for the project
Arts Professionals (such as art professors from local colleges, etc.)
Community Representatives
Participating City Bureau Representatives
Facility Management Representatives
2. The Selection Committee meets and reviews submissions from artists, including digital images, resumes, and letters of interest. The panel discusses the submissions and selects two or more artists to interview.

3. The Selection Committee reconvenes to interview the artists. At the end of the meeting the panel discusses the interviews and selects a final artist for the project.

These are the steps taken by the Selection Committee during the design process:

1. The artist submits a schematic proposal to the selection committee. The schematic proposal consists of general information about what the artist will be doing: conceptual sketch, preliminary budget, etc. The committee reviews the schematic design and approves, provisionally approves, or rejects it. The committee will continue to meet until the design is satisfactory.

2. The artist submits the final design, which includes detailed drawings and other information. The committee reviews the final design and approves, provisionally approves, or denies it. The committee will continue to meet until the design is satisfactory.

Steps taken by the Selection Committee during the implementation of the project:

The UAC works with the artist during the implementation of the project. The Selection Committee may be asked to meet during this process if circumstances warrant. Upon completion of the project, UAC will contact committee members.

Public Art Oversight Committee (PAOC):

All decisions of the Selection Committee are to be reviewed and approved by the Public Art Oversight Committee. The PAOC is a committee of seven members that has been appointed by the UAC and the City Mayor with the approval of the City Council. The PAOC provides general oversight of the Percent-for-Art Program, including scope of art projects, artworks, and artists for the projects. They also serve as a board of appeals for any issues that arise in conjunction with the Percent-for-Art Program.
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR ARTISTS AND ARTWORK:

General Criteria:
Projects undertaken by artists or acquisitions of artwork whether by commission, purchase, gift, or other means should further the purpose and goals of the public art program. The PAOC will determine the appropriate recruitment strategy to establish a pool of artists for each project based on standard methods described above. The selection panel will apply the following criteria when selecting artists, considering acquisitions or siting artwork.

Artistic Merit:
The inherent quality and excellence of a proposed artwork together with the strength of the artist's concept and design capabilities are the program's highest priorities. Other artistic credentials to consider include training and critical or other professional recognition.

Context:
Artwork must be compatible in scale, material, form, and content with its surroundings. When serving a functional purpose, artworks may establish focal points; modify, enhance or define specific spaces; establish identity or address specific issues of civic design. Consideration should also be given to the architectural, historical, geographical and social/cultural context of the site or community, as well as the way people may interact with the artwork. They must be able to respond to the specific contextual issues and considerations of the particular project, its community and users.

Relevant Experience:
Experience and professional record of artist/s should provide convincing evidence of ability to successfully complete the project as proposed. Particularly on collaborative or design team projects artists should demonstrate ability to:
·   Communicate effectively and elicit the ideas of team members;
·   Exhibit flexibility and problem-solving skills;
·   Work with architectural drawings and construction documents;
·   Engage community representatives in a project.
·   Successfully manage all aspects of the project including budgets, committees, sub-contractors, installers and other construction and administrative logistics.

Permanence/Maintenance:
Due consideration will be given to the structural and surface soundness, operational costs and inherent resistance to theft, vandalism, weathering and excessive maintenance. Artist should include recommended method and schedule for maintenance.

Technical Feasibility:
An artist must exhibit a successful track record of construction and installation of artwork or show that an appropriate professional has examined the proposed artwork and confirmed feasibility of construction and installation.

Budget:
An artist's proposal should provide a budget adequate to cover all costs for the design, fabrication, insurance, transportation, storage, and installation of the proposed artwork, plus, reasonable unforeseen circumstances. Artists should have a history of completing projects within budget. Artists should expect to garner 10-15% of the total project budget for their design fee and compensation, which is industry standard worldwide.

Fabrication and Installation Schedules:
The artist proposal should include a project timeline that incorporates design review, fabrication, delivery and installation in accordance with project schedule. The artist should have a history of completing projects on time.

The PAOC and selection committee may recommend rejection of all submissions if none are considered satisfactory and a new pool of artists may be established.

ARTIST RESTRICTIONS:

General Restrictions:
Artists or members of their immediate families who serve on the UrbanArt Commission Board of Directors or the Public Art Oversight Committee will not be commissioned or receive any direct financial benefit from the Public Art Program during their tenure on either of those bodies. This restriction shall extend for the period of one-year following the end of service and indefinitely for projects that were developed or acted upon during the artist's tenure on the Commission or Committee.

No artist may receive more than two art enhancement commissions under any five-year period. No artist may be selected for the moveable collection more than once during any five-year period.

Local Artist Participation Requirements:
One of the goals of the Public Art Program is to foster and celebrate the talents of local artists. Therefore, sixty percent (60%) of the artwork created with percent for art funds during any five-year period shall be accomplished by local artists. A local artist is defined by City of Memphis Ordinance 4934 as an artist who has lived or worked within the Memphis Metropolitan Statistical Area for five (5) or more years during such artist's career. [*As of December 2009, 84% of Percent for Art projects have been completed by local artists.]

Inappropriate Communication with Selection Committee:
The UAC staff shall be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between artists applying for Percent for Art projects and members of selection committees. Discussion by and between any applicant artist and any member of a selection committees outside of regularly scheduled meetings for such purpose during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the artist. Such determination shall be in the sole discretion of the PAOC.

Court Avenue Bridge Video--Wow!

2010-08-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Aaron Seigel of Electroland studio for making this video of the Court Avenue Bridge lights in action!

Request for Qualifications for Skate Park Artwork

2010-08-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Request for Qualifications for Skate Park Artwork

Site and Project Descriptions:
UrbanArt and the City of Memphis are commissioning a work of public art for the new Skate Park to be built at Tobey Park.

Artists will be selected based on previous experience with the design and production of exterior public art sculptures. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project must require little to no regular maintenance. The selection committee is interested in proposals that include shaded seating and are also interested in functional, skate-able work. Final artwork should compliment the characteristics and neighborhood identity of the site. The artist selected shall be expected to conduct community workshops with the general public for education purposes, as well as collaborate closely with site architects and designers. Note that artists are permitted to work with outside contractors to fabricate the actual work.

The selection committee will select 3 finalists based on their qualifications, and interview each individually before selecting 1 artist (or artist team). Finalists will receive $1,500 for a design proposal, which will be discussed in the interview.

Budget:       $59,250 total
Deadline:    4:00p Friday 08 October 2010
Eligibility:    Local: Living in Memphis or Shelby County for 5 years[i]

Guidelines:
Please see http://www.urbanartcommission.org/sampledocuments.html, particularly the UrbanArt Artist Handbook, for more information about applying to UrbanArt projects and how the selection process works.

Please submit the following:
· Typed, one-page letter of interest that notes which mural you are applying for, and explains your interest in this project and your general approach to the project.
· A sketch is not required, but may be included. Sketches must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Please do not send original artwork.
· Resumé, not to exceed 2 pages.
· Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are relevant to this project and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.
· Image identification sheet with location, brief description, and budget of each project
· List of three professional references, including current phone numbers and email addresses
· Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.

Send applications to:
UrbanArt Commission
Attn: Skate Park
2549 Broad Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Whitney Ranson, Projects Manager
(901) 454-0474 / wranson@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4:00 PM, Friday, October 8, 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age. UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists. UrbanArt reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, UrbanArt may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserves the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call. The staff of UrbanArt shall be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be in the sole discretion of UrbanArt.

[i] Artists that have produced two City of Memphis 'Percent for Art' projects in the last 5 years are not eligible for this project as mandated by City ordinance.

Electroland Lights Court Avenue Bridge

2010-08-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Electroland studio (Cameron McNall and Damon Seeley, along with their team of tech engineers and architects) designed an interactive lighting design project for this pedestrian bridge, debuted 26 August 2010. It is motion sensitive so that an endlessly variable series of dynamic color effects light the span of the bridge whenever people walk across it. The impact from street level is nuanced just enough to catch the eye of passersby and lead them into the park where they can see the bridge light up when they cross its span. Many thanks for the assistance of its volunteer selection committee, the Public Art Oversight Committee, the architecture firm of Ritchie Smith Associates, the Riverfront Development Corporation who built the bridge, and the efforts of the UrbanArt project management staff with the cooperation of City administrators as a part of the City of Memphis Percent for Art Program. As Memphis' first permanent work of new media public art, we feel it will be a unique asset to the city for quite some time to come!

Visit the UrbanArt Facebook page to see more photos!

Public Art is Blooming All Over

2010-08-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

We've got a busy calendar of public art celebrations coming up this Fall and next Spring all over Memphis! Follow our UrbanArt blog for details on dedication ceremonies in the coming months for the interactive lighting of the Court Avenue Pedestrian Bridge by Electroland, Bert Ferguson Park book maze by local wunderkind Brooke Foy, local hero Anthony Lee's athletic court benches at Pierotti Park, metal maestro Chris Fennel's enchanting entryway for the Levitt Shell at Overton Park, nationally recognized muralist extraordinaire Josh Sarantitis' large-scale work at Central High School produced with the students there, Vinnie Bagwell's stately bronze monument to the history of Memphis at Chickasaw Heritage Park, Tim Upham's installation of 'family trees' at University Place, local legend Carol DeForest's whimsical sculptures at the new Auto Inspection Station, Deborah Brown's tile mosaics at the new Animal Services Center, Tootsie Bell's show of local love for Legends Park, and Walter Kravitz's sculptures for the new MATA South Terminal in the Aerotropolis.

PLUS, outdoor video projections co-produced with the Center City Commission every Friday from 10 September to 08 October by local artists Brian Dixon, Jill Wissmiller, Alex Harrison, Chris Reyes and Sarah Fleming, Erik Jambor and Indie Memphis, Matt Ducklo, Chris Miner, and special guests Matthias Mueller and Christoph Giradet from Germany! Thanks to First Horizon's Innovation Award for making this series entitled 'Curious Pictures' possible!

MIFA Seeks Artists, Volunteers for Neighborhood Clean-up Program

2010-08-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Any and all artists and volunteers interested in helping MIFA clean up vacant houses throughout the year all over the city should contact:

Mary Claire Borys
Handyman Manager
MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association)
(901) 527-0208 ext 288 Office
(901) 361-1303 Cell
(901) 523-1266 Fax
910 Vance Ave., Memphis, TN 3812

Volunteers will be gathering next Saturday 28 August in the MIFA parking lot at 910 Vance Ave from 9am to 12pm. They will be painting panels for one house with 10 windows. They will have all of the plywood & some paint – there will be a limited selection of color paint.

Artistic Board-Up Project:

In an effort to reduce blight and all its accompanying problems, the Handyman program at MIFA is starting a formal project to board up vacant properties in an attractive and artistic manner.

In Shelby County, there are currently 6,000 – 7,000 unsecured vacant housing units. Over 3,000 are currently owned by the County due to abandonment or delinquent property taxes. Unsecured or improperly secured vacant properties are routinely magnets for graffiti, vandalism, theft of construction materials, squatters, and fires. This source of blight comes with a high cost. There were 933 fires in vacant properties from 2005-2009, at a cost to taxpayers of $16.3 million. Unsecured vacant properties also negatively affect the property values of the entire neighborhood. There is also the intangible cost on the spirit of the neighborhood as residents must look at broken windows, high grass, or scraps of plywood loosely nailed over windows.

But there is an alternative. Across the country, governments and community organizations have begun to secure vacant properties with plywood panels painted in an attractive, and sometimes an artistic, manner. In Albany, NY, a community development corporation took two vacant buildings and painted the plywood panels to look like doors and empty windows. The group reports that there has been hardly any graffiti and no break-ins since the panels were installed a year and a half ago. In Orange Mound here in Memphis, volunteers with the Handyman program installed plywood across the front of an old shotgun house and painted a mural on it in the spring of 2007. This house had been broken into and even set on fire many times over the previous three years since it became vacant. After the mural was installed, no one broke into the home for a year and a half until the house was demolished by the City.

The Artistic Board-Up Program will use painted plywood panels and install them over the windows and doors of targeted properties. The panels will fit tightly over each accessible window and over the doorways as well, if necessary. This program will utilize:

•A referral system for individuals, neighborhood groups, and others to report vacant homes that need to be boarded up

•Government and foundation grants and private donations to secure plywood and other materials needed for painting (paint brushes, tarps, etc)

•A sponsor for each property who will help supply paint and volunteers

•Volunteers to paint the plywood panels, install them, and help monitor the on-going condition of the properties

The MIFA Handyman Program:
The Handyman Program at MIFA has existed in its current form since 2000. Its primary focus is to allow homeowners who are senior citizens and/or disabled to remain safe and secure in their own homes for as long as possible. This is primarily accomplished through providing free home repairs and home modifications. The home repairs range from fixing leaky faucets to replacing the whole roof. Home modifications include wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, and installing grab bars in the bathroom. These repairs and modifications are provided through grants and contracts with the City of Memphis and the State of Tennessee. The Handyman program distributes hundreds of donated items every year, including wheelchairs, walkers, heaters, fans, and air conditioners. Finally, the Handyman program uses volunteers for beautification efforts, including yard work at client homes, clearing vacant lots, and painting the exteriors of homes where either the client or the volunteers supply the paint. In fiscal year 2010, the Handyman program worked with 200 unduplicated clients and distributed donated items to another 279 unduplicated clients.

The Handyman program works with a steady stream of volunteers from around Shelby County. We partner with schools, including MUS, Rhodes College, and the University of Memphis Habitat for Humanity chapter. We partner with a wide variety of churches, including Mississippi Boulevard, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Beth Sholom Synagogue, and Church on the Square. Volunteers from businesses including FedEx, UPS, Comcast, and others have tackled Handyman projects over the years. In addition, Handyman hosts several alternative college break trips and youth group mission trips every year. In fiscal year 2010, over 1,200 volunteers donated over 13,300 hours of service.

Target Properties:
This project will operate across the city for single-family residences or duplexes and specifically target properties in lower-income neighborhoods which have been vacant for some time and which have already been the subject of some damage. A formal system for individuals and community groups to refer properties for board-up is still under development.

Handyman staff and volunteers will contact property owners in an attempt to obtain permission to come onto the property. No one will go onto the property if the owners refuse permission. If the owners cannot be located, volunteers may go onto the property to install the painted panels after they have been fully informed that no permission exists for them to go on to the property. If properties are owned by the City of Memphis or Shelby County, we will work with the departments in charge of securing those properties to obtain permission to enter them and to obtain the plywood for securing the property.

Handyman staff and volunteers will survey the properties after permission is obtained in order to determine the number and dimensions of the plywood panels.

Property Sponsorships:
This project will seek to find a sponsor for each house that is boarded up. Sponsors may be individuals, churches, schools, businesses, neighborhood groups, non-profits, and others. The two primary functions of the sponsors will be to provide the paint for the panels and to help provide enough volunteers to paint all of the panels needed. The volunteer groups will be encouraged to actively participate in the design of the paint scheme for each of the panels. Sponsors will be able to add their logo to at least one window panel for the property if they so desire. Sponsors will be asked to provide volunteers to install the plywood panels, but Handyman will help identify additional volunteers for installation if needed. Finally, sponsors will be asked to help monitor the on-going condition of the sponsored property by visiting the property every month or so and reporting its condition to Handyman.

The Handyman program is working to secure grant funding to pay for the majority of the plywood and other materials needed for painting, such as paint brushes and rollers, paint buckets, tarps, and painter’s tape.

Painting the Plywood:
The painting will be done during “painting parties” where groups of volunteers will gather to design and paint all of the plywood panels needed for at least one property. Painting parties will be held on the MIFA parking lot on select Saturdays. Painting parties can also be held at other community gathering spots, such as churches or schools, or at the sponsor’s location, if appropriate. The plywood panels can be cut either ahead of time or at the start of the painting parties.

The plywood can be painted in one of three ways. First, the panel can be painted in a basic representational manner, such that the panel will simply look like an empty window. The panel will be painted dark grey with white trim. Second, the panel can be painted in an artistic and creative manner, i.e., a mural. Third, the panel can be painted with a middle-ground manner. For example, the basic window panel could have the addition of curtains or objects sitting in the window (a cat, a flower vase, etc). The basic panels could be used anywhere on the home. More advanced panels would only be used on parts of the property facing the street; otherwise the impact would be lost.

Other Goals of the Board Up Project:
This project will also seek to effect lasting change in the Memphis metropolitan area thru changes in legislation and government policies. First, the project will push for legislation authorizing community groups to enter vacant properties to secure them and to maintain the grounds, and file a lien against the property for reimbursement of expenses. The primary point of this legislation is to remove the issue of trespassing when people just want to try to improve their own neighborhood by themselves. Second, the project will push for legislation to require that all vacant properties be secured with plywood that is of sufficient thickness, well-fitted to the structure, and painted in a manner consistent with the structure. Finally, the project will push for the City and County to better monitor and secure the vacant properties which they have, possibly in partnership with this project.

UrbanArt

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Facebook Flash Mob

Please help us promote our new website and artist registry. Post www.isartalive.com as your Facebook status at 9am on Friday morning (May 6, tomorrow). It'll be like a Facebook Flashmob- it should be fun and leave people wondering. Help us show that art is alive in Memphis!

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REMED Mural starts next week on Broad!

See Guillaume Alby's art work here: REMED

Go Grizz Mural Up at Union and Nov. 6th Street.

City Beautiful Hosts 'Trashion Show': Local Artists Sign Up Today!

Creative Placemaking a Priority in Memphis

UrbanArt had a great meeting yesterday with the Creative Placemaking Tactical Unit convened by Mayor Wharton and CEO's for Cities' Carol Coletta. How amazing it is to have municipal leadership committed to developing the vibrancy of the public realm!

New Mural Going Up Today...

'Family Trees' by Tim Upham installing at University Place

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Lynn Basa Workshop Next Week!

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Lynn Basa "Making the Leap to Public Art" Workshop tickets

Amy Whitaker's "1-Hr. Business School for Artists"

Amy Whitaker's lecture previewed in the CA today!

1-Hour Business School for Artists **Free Lecture Series** RSVP now!

S.Sylve and Whitney Washington on the impact of murals in Memphis

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1-Hour Business School for Artists **Free Lecture Series**

Free lecture! Don't miss out.

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Vote for UrbanArt!

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Show your support with an UrbanArt window sticker!

Electroland's 'Lightspan', Memphis

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Take the ArtSpace Memphis Survey!

1-Hour Business School for Artists Free Lecture Series RSVP now!

1-Hour Business School for Artists Free Lecture Series