FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Marie Nau Hunter - (573) 874-7512

Public art proposal on view

COLUMBIA, MO (February 4, 2008) - A proposal for artwork for the renovation of Columbia’s City Hall and an associated plaza and streetscape is available for viewing on the city’s Web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com/Arts. Public comment on the proposal is invited, especially from Columbia residents. An electronic comment box is available on the Web site; comments will be accepted through Feb. 15.

The city’s Standing Committee on Public Art selected artist Howard Meehan to create site-specific public art for the City Hall renovation through the Percent for Art program. His proposal details a program of work that addresses the plaza and streetscape area of the planned addition to City Hall between Seventh and Eighth streets.

As is the case in much of Meehan’s previous works of art, this proposal is comprehensive in its approach of addressing a large community space with multiple design elements, many of them functional, like seating and paving. Documenting the history of the Columbia community is a main focus of the proposed art as well.

After the public comment period, the city’s Standing Committee on Public Art will meet to review Meehan’s proposal. The committee will formulate a recommendation that will then be forwarded to the Commission on Cultural Affairs. Final approval of the design concept will be determined by City Council. An earlier design by Meehan was considered by the Standing Committee but did not gain approval. As a result, Meehan formulated the current proposal.

The City Hall public art project is part of Percent for Art, a program established by City Council in May 1997. Percent for Art allows for one percent of costs of eligible city new and renovation construction projects be set aside for site-specific artwork.

Percent for Art is coordinated by the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs. For more information, call 573-874-7512 or e-mail oca@GoColumbiaMo.com.

-30-