Public Art Subcommitee Packet 070820
NOTICE
Elk River Economic Development Authority
Public Art Subcommittee Set Meeting Dates
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
2:00 p.m.
Elk River City Hall
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, Minnesota
The purpose of the meeting is as follows:
Interview Artists
Special Meeting of the
EDA Public Art
Subcommittee
AGENDA
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
2:00 p.m.
Elk River City Hall
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. CONSIDER AGENDA
3. CONSENT AGENDA
Considered to be routine and noncontroversial by the City Council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
these items unless a Councilmember, staff member, or citizen so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and
considered under the regular agenda.
3.1 June 25, 2020 Meeting Minutes
4. GENERAL BUSINESS
4.1 Presentations with two finalists; Carey Dean and The Milligan Studio
5. ANNOUCEMENTS
6. ADJOURNMENT
This agenda is available in alternate formats upon a 72 hour advanced notice. Auxiliary aids and services are also available upon a 72 hour
advanced notice. Please contact the City Clerk at 763. 635.1000 to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include: large print,
Braille, audio tape, etc. Examples of auxiliary aids may include a sign language interpreter, assistive listening device, etc.
Meeting Protocol
No sidebar discussions
No interruptions
State your concern
Ensure you understand
Don’t take things personally
Adhere to time limits
Come prepared
Ensure all are heard
Special Meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Public Art Sub-committee
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Members Present: Jennifer Wagner, Sharon Tracy, Ann McCormick, and Dan Tveite
Members Absent: Michael Niziolek
Staff Present: Economic Development Director, Amanda Othoudt and Economic
Development Specialist, Colleen Eddy
Others Present: None
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Economic
Development Authority Public Art Sub-Committee was called to order at 2:00 p.m.
by Dan Tveite.
2. Consider Agenda
Moved by Jennifer Wagner and seconded by Ann McCormick to approve the
agenda. Motion carried 4-0.
3. Consent Agenda
3.1 April 12, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Moved by Sharon Tracy and seconded by Jennifer Wagner to approve the
consent agenda. Motion carried 4-0.
4. General Business
4.1 Review Public Art Proposals
Ms. Eddy presented the staff report. The subcommittee reviewed and discussed the
five proposals and narrowed down the five to two finalists. The group directed staff
to contact the two finalists and ask a couple questions in order to better understand
their projects:
Dean;
1. Can their project be outside?
2. Can it be 2 dimensional instead of 4?
3. Can it be formed into a “S” curve instead of a square?
4. Can it be lit up on the inside?
Milligan;
1. What does it mean to be solar powered?
2. Is the budget flexible? The maximum amount funded is $20,000
3. Proposing any other projects? i.e. The School of Fish?
4. Include “river” plants to the project?
The group also directed staff to contact the finalists and schedule meetings with both
via Zoom on July 8, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
5. Announcements
No announcements
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, Dan Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority at 2:47 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Colleen Eddy.
Dan Tveite, EDA President
Tina Allard, City Clerk
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Public Art Subcommittee
Item Number
4.1
Agenda Section
General Business
Meeting Date
July 8, 2020
Prepared by
Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist
Item Description
Presentations from two public art finalist
Reviewed by
Amanda Othoudt, ED Director
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Review the public art artist’s presentations and provide recommendations to the EDA.
Background/Discussion
At the June 25, 2020 Public Art Subcommittee meeting, the subcommittee reviewed five proposals and
selected two.
The group will hear presentations from two artists: Carey Dean and Nicole from The Milligan Studio. The
next step in the public art initiative is for the Public Art Subcommittee to review the presentations and make
a recommendation to the EDA at their July 20, 2020, meeting.
Financial Impact
The EDA budgeted $5,000 in 2020 as a matching grant for a public art installation at their June 17, 2019,
meeting.
Attachments
Artists Responses to Q&A
Dean Proposal
Milligan Proposal
The Milligan Studio Questions and Answers:
1. What does it mean to be solar powered? – yes they will install lights and the solar panels can be
located off to the side
2. Is your budget flexible? The EDA has set a max. of $20,000 for this project. – yes they are flexible
and can do it for $20,000
3. Are you proposing any other projects? I.E. the “School of Fish”- yes they would like to do a
project for Elk River and is open to hearing from the community on what they would like to see
4. Are you able to include some “river” plants into your project?- yes for sure!
Carey Dean’s Questions and Answers:
1. Can your proposed project be outside?
Yes my work can be outside but I prefer to make art/mosaics for interior spaces. If outside would
there be an existing structure to install/incorporate the art or would I need to fabricate an outdoor
structure? An interior artwork is much simpler and less expensive to fabricate. I am open to creating
an outdoor piece but would need more information such as size, structure/support, etc.
2. Can your proposed project be in 2 dimensional instead of 4?
All of my mosaic work is two dimensional but can wrap around surfaces and be organic in shape.
3. Can your proposed project be formed into a “S” curve instead of a square?
Yes, my mosaic art can be formed into an s-curve.
4. Can it be lit up on the inside?
I have not made any mosaics lit from behind but I’m sure it is possible however a similar effect can
be achieved with proper lighting directed at the artwork/glass from the front. Lighting from behind
or within would create some fabrication challenges. I would seek the assistance of my friends at
Museum Services of Minneapolis for their fabrication expertise for the substructure of the artwork if
the artwork/mosaic were to be back-lit.
Side note - The majority of my public art is two-dimensional stained glass mosaic directly installed as
a permanent feature on cement board with concrete mortar or as framed mosaics installed like a
painting or large mirror would be hung. I can also make organic/free-form shaped mosaics up to any
size as a single or multi panel artwork.
CAREY DEAN
1661 Edmund Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104
carey2d@yahoo.com, 612.889.6228
CITY OF ELK RIVER RFP PUBLIC ART
A) General Information / Artist Statement
As a Minnesota based mid-career artist my work is deeply inspired by Midwestern landscapes, specifically
forests, bodies of water and the dramatic seasonal changes of the region. My artwork typically takes the form
of stained glass or tile contemporary mosaic. The intent behind my work is to capture the beauty of nature,
create an emotional response from the viewer and promote a sense of pride of place.
My water themed and tree series mosaics which have been my most sought after work are not only
inspired by unique landscapes but also the Japanese philosophy and medical treatment called “forest bathing”
developed in the 1980’s wherein trees are believed to have healing and calming powers known to relieve
stress, anxiety and lower heart rate and blood pressure. My mosaics have been purchased for several regional
hospitals and I am currently creating two large-scale mosaics for the Valet Lounge remodel at Terminal 1 MSP
International Airport. As an artist I strongly believe that images of nature, particularly in large-scale format can
enhance public spaces not only aesthetically but can also positively impact viewers physically and mentally.
My glass mosaics are made by traditional cold-working techniques yet my approach to mosaic is
unique. As a trained oil painter, I consider my mosaics paintings with glass. I utilize the swirls of colors and
variations of markings found in large sheets of glass to create my images. I do not work from a set template
but rather the images evolve from the piecing together of a variety of shapes to form an overall image; just as
layers of brushstrokes create a painting. Some of my work is depictions of actual places such as State or
National Parks while others are collaged images from real and imagined places creating an overall impression
of a specific place. My mosaics are a reflection of my love for nature and the Minnesota landscape.
For this particular RFP I am interested in creating a large-scale stained glass mosaic as a permanent
public art piece for the city of Elk River. I am proposing a mosaic that depicts a recognizable or significant
location along the Red River Ox Cart Trail in Elk River. I am very interested in a location near or at the point
where riverboats brought early settlers and travelers to the area. If chosen for the project I would meet with
local historians and or long term residents of Elk River who could give me insight on the area adding depth to
the artwork. The mosaic would highlight the natural beauty of the area, the importance of the river to the
town and the specific location that brought the city’s earliest European settlers. A second concept would be a
contemporary abstract composition representing the power and force of the river.
examples of my tree themed stained glass mosaics
B) Artistic Merit / Quality
I have been a professional artist for the past 20 years exhibiting my work internationally and having my
mosaics commissioned for several public spaces in the Midwest. I am currently creating the second of two
large-scale permanent mosaic features for the MSP International Airport Terminal 1 newly remodeled Valet
Lounge. This project has allowed me to pursue my mosaic work as a full-time career and retire from a 13 year
career as an art and design lecturer and instructor at Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University
of Wisconsin Stout. As a professional artist, I have had solo art exhibitions at Metropolitan State University and
the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids and have participated in dozens of juried exhibitions. I received an
MFA in international art practice from UCA in the United Kingdom in 2005. I am a trained artist with several
years of experience working with architects, construction personnel and art consultants. I enjoy collaborating
with others and achieving project goals and deadlines.
Tranquility, commissioned by Art Partners of Minneapolis for Gundersen Medical Center La Crosse, WI
C) Project Understanding
Considering the possible themes for the proposed public art commission, I am most interested in creating a
work of art inspired by the river trails and the location/area where travellers and settlers first visited what we
now know of as the City of Elk River OR the proposed theme of “Powered By Nature” which makes me first
and foremost think of the river as a powerful natural force. If considered for this project my work could go in a
number of directions but the two main concepts would be one; a depiction of the river from the Red River Ox
Cart Trail or two; an abstract contemporary mosaic depicting the power and energy of the river. When
reviewing samples of my work you will see examples such as “The End Is Only the Beginning” a mosaic
representing the Temperance River mouth on the north shore of Lake Superior as an example to proposal idea
one and sample artwork titled “Shift” an abstract parallelogram mosaic depicting a river edge/shoreline as a
sample concept for proposal idea number two.
The End Is Only The Beginning, stained glass mosaic depicting the Temperance River mouth. MSP Airport Valet Lounge, March 2020
Shift, parallelogram style mosaic depicting a river edge (bottom left), proposal images of parallelogram style mosaics for Iversen Center for
Faith (top and right)
D) Project approach
If considered for this opportunity I would first visit the City of Elk River, walk the trails, speak to community
members or local historians, create sketches and take photographs to then create digital designs for the
committee to choose from. My artistic process is as follows:
1.Site visit (sketches, photos, meet with community, explore)
2.Design stage (create drawings from hand and computer generated mock-up of sketches and space)
3.Fabrication (create mosaics at in-home studio)
4.Installation (work with an assistant on site to install artwork, typically a 3-10 day job depending on size)
5.Project Completion (attend opening or viewing event, give optional artist talk to the public)
E) Location, Installation, Future Maintenance
If selected to create a piece of public art for the city of Elk River, I will be satisfied with any location chosen by
the committee or persons commissioning the artwork and I will work with set individuals to discuss the outline
of the project. I will work alone or with a trained assistant to carry out the project installation in a safe and
properly insured manner. My mosaics are extremely durable, long lasting, safe for public spaces and need
minimal maintenance. Once installed my mosaics need only a light cleaning with a cloth and basic glass cleaner
to keep clean and maintained.
F) Additional Information
I feel I’m a good candidate for this project being a local artist whose public art features unique destinations in
Minnesota. I am also familiar with the city of Elk River and have participated several times in the Arts in
Harmony juried exhibition at the Sherburne County Government Center. I feel a personal connection to the
area and have been seeking an opportunity to create art depicting or inspired by the Mississippi River or one of
its tributaries.
G) Total Project Cost
My mosaic work varies in price based on size and complexity. A general price range is $300-$900 a sq/ft which
covers all costs including design, fabrication and installation. Once location, design and dimensions have been
confirmed I can supply a complete budget of costs.
On the Edge of Greatness, stained glass column surround mosaic for MSP Airport Valet Lounge depicting various locations along the north
shore of Lake Superior. Digital sketch (top left and bottom, fabrication stage of panel 1 of 4 (right)
CAREY DEAN
1661 Edmund Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104
612.889.6228 / www.careydean.com / carey2d@yahoo.com
EDUCATION
UCA University for the Creative Arts Canterbury, Kent. United Kingdom
(Formerly Kent Institute of Art and Design) MFA International Practice 2003 - 2005
University of Wisconsin Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a Concentration in Painting 1994 - 1996 / 1998 - 1999
Academy of Art University San Francisco, California
General Education and Fine Art Courses 1996 - 1997
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS & COLLECTIONS
MSP Airport Terminal 1 - Valet Lounge
2 Permanent Glass Mosaic Installations. Minneapolis, Minnesota 2018-2019 (in progress)
Westfields Hospital and Clinics - Outpatient Center
Permanent Collection Purchase. New Richmond, Wisconsin. April 2015
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
Permanent Collection Purchase. La Crosse, Wisconsin. November 2013
Mother Baby Center - Allina & Children’s Hospitals and Clinics
Permanent Collection Purchase. Minneapolis, Minnesota. January 2013
University of Minnesota Morris Welcome Center
Permanent Collection Purchase. Morris, Minnesota. July 2010
Minnesota Artists Collection - Governor’s Residence of Minnesota
Temporary Collection. Saint Paul, Minnesota 2007-2008
Bloomington Art Center Purchase Award for City of Bloomington Water Company
Permanent Collection Purchase Award. Bloomington, Minnesota. August 2003
EXHIBITIONS (2002-Present)
Drawing Distinctions: Exhibition with the London Group
The Cello Factory Gallery, Lambeth, London, UK. April 3-12, 2019
Drawing Distinctions: Exhibition with the London Group and UW Stout Faculty Members
Furlong Gallery, University of Wisconsin Stout. Menomonie, Wisconsin. Sept. 17 - October 27, 2018
By Nature We Are Connected: Solo Exhibition
Gordon Parks Gallery, Metropolitan State University. Saint Paul, Minnesota. Sept. 19 - October 19, 2017
Sustainable Acts: Mother Earth’s Embrace Juried Exhibition
U of M Institute on the Environment. Saint Paul, Minnesota. October 2015 - January 2016
Fragmented Vistas. Solo Exhibition
Minnesota Gallery. MacRostie Art Center. Grand Rapids, Minnesota. June 5-27, 2015
Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
Furlong Gallery. University of Wisconsin Stout. December 17, 20013 - February 2, 2014
Five Foot Show. Enchanted Forest, new works by Carey Dean
Gallery 360. Minneapolis, Minnesota August 24 - September 29, 2013
EXHIBITIONS (2002-Present) continued
Open Door 8: Eighth Annual Juried Exhibition
Rosalux Gallery. Minneapolis, Minnesota December 8 - 30, 2012
Phipp’s Healing Arts Program Juried Group Exhibition
Hudson Hospital. Hudson, Wisconsin. May 16 - August 5, 2012
33rd Annual Paper In Particular National Exhibition
Sidney Larson Gallery. Columbia College. Columbia, Missouri. February 1 - March 4, 2012
Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
Furlong Gallery. University of Wisconsin Stout. December 1, 2011 - February 9, 2012
Northern National Art Competition Exhibition
Nicolet Art College Art Gallery. Rhinelander Wisconsin. July 26 - September 9, 2011
Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
Furlong Gallery. University of Wisconsin Stout. December 17, 2009 - February 2, 2011
Biotics: All Media National Juried Exhibition
Conduit Gallery. Minneapolis, Minnesota September - November 2010
99th Annual Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Juried Exhibition
Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Gallery. St. Paul, Minnesota. August 26 - September 6, 2010
North of the 45th Parallel Third Annual National Juried Exhibition
DeVos Art Museum University of Northern Michigan. Marquette, MI. June 4 - July 25, 2010
2010 Chowan University National Juried Exhibition
University of North Carolina. Murfreesboro, North Carolina. March 1 - 31, 2010
Art Biologic / SlowArt Productions National Juried Exhibition
Limner Gallery. Hudson, New York. May 2 - 30, 2009
A Necessary Ornamentation: Exhibition of Works by the Minnesota Mosaic Guild
Gordon Parks Gallery. Metropolitan State University. St. Paul, Minnesota. April 17 - July 25, 2008
Arts In Harmony Regional Juried Artists Exhibition
Sherburne County Government Center. Elk River, Minnesota. February 6 - March 24, 2008
96th Annual Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Juried Exhibition
Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Gallery. St. Paul, Minnesota. August 23 - September 3, 2007
Southern Exposure: Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
University of Louisville. Louisville, Kentucky. October 12 - November 16, 2006
Open Door 2: Second Annual Regional Juried Artists Exhibition
Rosalux Gallery. Minneapolis, Minnesota. July 5 - 24, 2006
Dislocated Ground: Works by Carey Dean, JL Dean and Jessika Worrall
Seven Seven Gallery. East End, London, England. August 12 - 27, 2005
Scottish Arts Club Private Collection Exhibition
Club Room Gallery. Edinburgh, Scotland. September 16 - 30, 2005
Xross-Polynation International Artists Exhibition
Randolph Gallery. Edinburgh, Scotland. June 3 - 10, 2005
Xross-Polynation International Artists Exhibition
All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society. New Delhi, India. February 2 - 20, 2005
Arts In Harmony Regional Juried Exhibition
Sherburne County Government Center. Elk River, Minnesota. February 6 - March 24, 2003
91st Annual Juried Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition
Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Gallery. St. Paul, Minnesota. August 24 - September 4, 2002
Submitted by The Milligan Studio
Dr. Nicole Mary Milligan (N.M.Kelby)
Alan S. Milligan
459 Selby Avenue
St Paul, Minnesota 55102
651-756-7683
themilliganstudio.com
themilliganstudio@gmail.com
@TheMilliganStudio
@ASMilliganSculptor
The Elk River Public Art Project
Sketches & Influences
Slipstream
A celebration of the highways of Charles Merritt Babcock and the Elk River
community from which he came.
Above:
Sketch of Slipstream with
process detail.
Sheet bronze patinated in shades of blue would form the
“highway” in which the diverse fish of Slipstream school
together.
Sample of kiln-formed recycled architectural glass fish from the
Edina, MN Centennial Lakes Commission
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Slipstream
Sited at waters edge at the Granite Shore Apartment Complex, Elk River. (Above)
Detail of recycled glass fish inset in patinated bronze panel (Right)
Detail sketch of patinated bronze triangles featuring “school of fish” inserts. (Below)
10’ (H)
4’ (W)
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“Do continue the great impactful work”
Jai Winston, Director of the Knight Foundation
Sheet bronze patinated in shades of blue would form the “highways of rivers” in which the community of fish school together in
Slipstream. The sculpture could also be sited on the corner closer to the river as seen above.
A. General Information
The Milligan Studio offers Slipstream. Bronze, steel, and kiln-formed architectural recycled glass, 10ft (H) x 4’ (W), solar-powered
illuminated sculpture will facilitate both communal and individual experiences. It can be “read” from afar, as it will appear to be a leaping
fish with a blue river winding through it. Up close, one will see that the fish is actually a series of intertwining steel representing the
highways as Slipstream is in honor of Charles Merritt Babcock who
developed the Minnesota Highway system.
This “river” of highway is constructed of schools of blue kiln-
formed glass fish of all different sizes and shapes, swimming
together, making progress, powered by nature. It is a slipstream
highway of color and light.
As we know from biology, diverse fish that swim in the same
direction, or school, live better lives together. Their community
makes them stronger. The same is true of a community such as Elk
River, where Babcock once lived. The highway system of
Minnesota, made manifest by his amendment, is our state’s
slipstream to progress.
Slipstream with its dramatic blues cast in bronze and kiln glass is a
striking metaphor. Sheet bronze patinated to represent water. (DETAIL)
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B. Artistic Merit/Quality
At the Milligan Studio, we are interested in making beautiful objects that evoke a sense of
belonging. We are an Irish and American collaborative of artists, engineers, architects, and
designers who combine Old World craftsmanship with cutting edge technology and modern
vision.
We have experience in large-scale projects, including environmental works rooted in
modern lyricism such as the Marsh Award nominated To The People of The Sea in Northern
Ireland.
a. How will the project enhance artistic, cultural and educational values of the
viewers of this piece of art?
Irish Sculptor Alan Milligan makes it a practice to offer community-wide Umha Aois
(Ancient Irish Bronze Age) metal casting workshops, as an introduction to the some of
the techniques that will be used to make sculptures. Dr. Nicole Mary Milligan (who also
writes novels as New York Times bestselling author N.M.Kelby) creates a narrative
webpage and photographs every step of the build to tell the story of the sculpture as it is
being fabricated so that community members can look and see the progress being made.
For more see examples such as Cloud Horse on the website themilliganstudio.com.
We offer many ways that we can enhance the artistic, cultural and educational values of
viewers though arts experiences, including temporary installations and workshops. Please
see the “Engagement Example” file, which is enclosed.
b. How will the project advance the artist’s goals?
Slipstream will allow us to continue our work in community building through Public Art. It
will also provide us the ability to work once more mentoring First Time offenders
through Minnesota’s Project Remand. Artistically, it will provide for us an opportunity to
build upon our work in patinated bronze and glass and take it to the next level. We also
look forward to working with members of your Solar Energy community, as this is a field we’re quite interested in.
Slipstream is a striking work, bespoke for you, which we would be honored to create. As you can see, our portfolio is ranges from
playful, yet thoughtful installations such as Uplift, which was an Instagram celebrity in the summer of 2019, and Better Angels, which is
currently being fabricated and garnering media attention for its theme of unity, to permanent sculptures that are meditative works in
bronze, such as Balance (Justice, Wisdom, Hope) which honors the Dakota people, or the triptych Memory of Water, in which the three works
in bronze have become iconic for Grand Rapids, MN, so much so that they held an Aquanesia (Memory of Water) festival in their
honor.
c. Provide an explanation
of how the sculpture will
allow all community
members a greater
understanding and
awareness of art.
Through community
engagement events, the
progressive web page that
details the process and
thought behind the making
of Slipstream, and press and
public events, we provide a
full range of services that
helps you market, educate,
and celebrate not only the
sculpture and the artistic
fabrication of it, but also
your community.
d. Provide an explanation
of how the public survey
influenced your choice of
project submittal.
It results are in keeping with
our practice.
First stage of maquette (model). The
“highway” of steel armature.
Possible community event–Ancient Irish Bronze casting.
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C. Project Understanding
In the RFP you’ve requested a work
whose themes could include Powered by
Nature, the Participatory Process, history
of transportation and a celebration of
Energy City––Slipstream metaphorically
represents all four. The striking sculpture
is powered by nature, honors Charles
Merritt Babcock’s contribution to our
state, and symbolizes the participatory
process of a community such as yours, a
community that works together to grow.
A celebration of the Energy City,
Slipstream can be creatively illuminated
using solar energy in an effort to create a
sense of vibrancy and also highlight your
leadership in the field. While we have
partners in the field of solar lighting, for
Slipstream we would hope to collaborate
with your community businesses to
showcase local innovation.
D. Project Approach
Slipstream will be fabricated in our St Paul studio using several classical techniques. The bronze will be hand-worked in repoussé to
replicate the waves and eddies of moving water, and then patinated. The stainless steel will be rolled by our partner Linders Specialty, a
Union shop, to create arcs that emulate the waveform.
Slipstream will be both safe and welcoming as it is ADA compliant. The bars are varied and spaced in such a way that will not invite
climbing. Bronze and stainless steel are graffiti resistant materials proven to withstand Minnesota weather. The glass fish are co-joined,
which doubles the strength and makes it suitable for this usage.
Timeline:
1) Research Elk River, its history and its people
2) Site visit (Took place June 1)
3) Created model and drawings based on the idea of community as diverse fish in a slipstream. Incorporated solar light collaboration, as
we were impressed with the innovations of the community in that area and felt we could learn from working with these civic leaders.
4) Once chosen for this commission, we will schedule a series of site visits to meet stakeholders and managers of project and talk
through expectations. September 2020
5) Create community event and host it. This
generates publicity and allows the
engagement of the city in the process.
October 2020
6) Build Project webpage with photos,
plans, etc. September 2020
7) Begin build. Should take about 6 weeks
beginning in November
8) Install in Spring with Celebration.
E. Location, Installation and Future
Maintenance
The location is very suitable. On Page 6,
we’ve explored it. Maintenance is minimal.
Installation is discussed in Budget PDF.
F. See prior work in Milligan Sample
PDF.
G. Total Project Cost
We are always on-time and on-budget and we
will work with you. See PDF for budget
estimates.
People of the Sea, Ireland.
Kiln-formed glass and sheet bronze provide a calm “frame” for the city.
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Possible installation. (E) If sited on the corner (marked by the star), instead of in
fro nt of the building, Slipstream could be placed on a cement round and
landscaped to highlight existing trees and the river itself .
It would also be able to be seen by travelers in both directions, either in cars or
on foot.
G. ESTIMATED BUDGET
ARTIST FEE
Two artists for all labor costs including design, documentation, fabrication and community engagement events.
TOTAL: $20,000
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT:
Coordination of sculpture build, social media, press management including documentation, which take the form of
photographs and narratives posted on websites, instragram accounts, and facebook pages so that stakeholders can watch
the progress of the build. A published art book highlighting the process and finished work is also an option, at an
additional charge for printing. These high quality art books can be sold as a fundraiser, or used as documentation for
granting or educational purpouses. For more about this, ask to see the School of (Fish) book.
Also included in our projects is the participation of the artists in community engagement events, which are determined
by the scope of the project and identifiable community needs. These are often promotional events, but can also include
educational workshops presented in community venues.
On this project, we suggest a glass kilnforming workshop under tents at the site, or a Bronze Age metal casting. These
opportunities enable community members to understand the fabrication techniques behind the work and engender a
sense of ownership. Materials for these worksops are minimal.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT ARE INCLUDED IN THE ARTIST FEE.
PUBLIC ART MATERIALS
Architectural-grade kiln forming recycled glass $3,500
Glass attachment findings $400
20 Stainless Steel tube1 1/2 @10’ @$200 $2,100
(including delivery to studio)
Three (3) bronze sheet 4’ x10’ $4,000
Stainless Steel baseplate lasercut 1 ½” (W) $1,100
Welding and supplies chargeback $1,610
Fixings/threaded bar $220
Patination chemicals and supplies $300
MATERIALS ESTIMATE TOTAL: $13,230
FABRICATION
Fabrication of curved steel bars (Linder’s ) $4,300
3 weeks @ 40 hours for one general assistant ($20) $2,400
Firing of glass triangles $330
Insurance coverage $200
FABRICATION SUB TOTAL: $7,230
SOLAR LIGHTING BUDGET
Bespoke solar lighting system through local Elk River vendor
Architectural Grade
LED RGBW Directional Uplight Approximately $3,000
TRANSPORTATION COSTS
Truck rental with lift gate $383 (including mileage)
INSTALLATION COSTS
It’s usually good practice to have the City help with the install, as they are to insure the work once they take possession. If
the City/commissioners lay the concrete pad according to local code and help set the work in place, then they can
comfortably indemnify the work. While we do work with subcontractors, we find it’s considerably less expensive for the
commissioners to enlist the city’s help. Plus, it also instills a sense of ownership.
FUTURE MAINTENANCE COSTS
Slipstream is made from resistant materials that age well in Minnesota’s hard climate and requires minimal maintenance.
It has been our experience that industrial solar light bulbs need to be replaced every five years.
Please note that it is standard practice to add a Contingency Fund (less than 5%) to a project total. This ensures that
unexpected cost increases can be absorbed.
BEAUTY. PLAY.
The Samuel Beckett Chess Set with Frank Skinner the award-winning English writer, comedian,
television and radio presenter at play.
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Samuel Beckett Chess Set. 32 unique sculptures commissioned by The Samuel
Beckett Estate and London’s Arts Without Borders.
The series of figurative bronzes based on the writer’s work has been exhibited
at The Metropolitan Arts Centre in Belfast, the Royal Hibernian Academy in
Dublin, and The Jardin du Luxembourg, as part of a cultural exchange for Centre
Culturel Irlandais, Paris, France, 2016. Project featured on BBC Radio “Arts
Extra,” The Guardian, Belfast Telegraph, and others.
The Samuel Beckett Chess Set is the only authorized work of Public Art based on
the writer’s work.
Bronze and wood. 20’x 20’. Seen here at the Paris exhibit.
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School of (Fish)
Commission for Edina school
system, Park and Rec, City of
Edina, Edina Foundation, and
Edina Arts Commission. 6’ (H)
x 4.5 (W) Steel, bronze, and
kiln-formed glass inspired by a
“Unity” drawing of a school of
fish created by Third-Grade
artist Alex West.
Centennial Lake Park. Edina
Minnesota,. (2019).
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To The People of The Sea
Fabrication for Holger Lonze, East Strand, Portrush Council and Northern
Ireland Arts Council.
Fabrication and installation in beach environment for
14 ft high repoussé bronze public sculpture
East Strand, Portrush, N. Ireland. 2011.
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Balance (Justice, Wisdom, Hope)
Percent for the Arts Commission for Dakota County Courthouse waiting room in Hastings. Minnesota. Bronze, marble and wood. Nicole
Mary Milligan’s stepfather was a member of the Seminole Nation, and she grew up on the reservation, and so our work often reflects that
heritage. Balance honors the Dakota Nation. The large bronze feather balances on a prism to symbolize the hope for Justice to be in
balance with Wisdom. 3' (H) x 13' (W) x 5' (D) (2020).
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Memory of Water: Rain Becomes (first of three narratives pieces)
Rain Becomes is the moment a deluge becomes a rapid. This is one of three narrative sculptures created by commission for
the city of Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Arts Council and the Blandin Foundation The sculptures are sited at three
intersections in the town and are a narrative series telling the story of a time when the “rapids” returned to the city. The
work culminates with Ultramarinus, a 41 ft. rapid overtaking the land. The City of Grand Rapids has now decided to
build their public art policy around the work. They are asking artists to contribute pieces that would work in partnership
with The Memory of Water. Patinated bronze, steel. 2019.
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UpLift (To Inspire or Elevate)
A minor Instagram celebrity for summer of 2019. A
meditative hot air balloon sky to honor Count Zeppelin
who came to this Midwestern city and had his first balloon
ride during the Civil War.
The German was so inspired he started the airship
industry, which was robust for 20 years until the
Hindenburg accident.
Installation for St. Paul Downtown Alliance, St Paul Park
and Recreation, and City of St. Paul. 40’ (L) x 14’ (H) x 20’
(W). Landmark Center Plaza, Summer 2019.
Re-installed for the city of Hudson, Wisconsin.
ALAN SCOTT MILLIGAN
Dr. NICOLE MARY MILLIGAN
US STUDIO:
459 SELBY AVENUE
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA
55102
651-756-7683
themilliganstudio.com
themilliganstudio@gmail.com
@TheMilliganStudio
The Samuel Beckett Chess Set
Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris.
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“Do continue the great impactful work.” Jai Winston, Director, Knight Foundation
Artists in this partnership have worked closely with a wide variety of communities and their councils, governmental and education concerns, in
addition to architects, builders, structural engineers, historical preservationists, and city planners to create Public Art in the United States, United
Kingdom, Ireland, and Paris.
Sculptor Alan Milligan is known for the Samuel Beckett Chess Set, which recently was exhibited in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, France. Historian and
visual artist Nicole Mary Milligan, writing as N.M.Kelby, is the critically acclaimed author of eight novels including The Pink Suit (Little, Brown), White
Truffles in Winter (W.W.Norton) and The New York Times bestseller In the Company of Angels. She has been translated into 21 languages worldwide.
SELECTED HONORS, RESIDENCIES, GRANTS FOR ALAN MILLIGAN:
•CERF+ Grant, 2020
•PEN AMERICA support grant for Public Art Project Lake of Dreams, 2018.
•The Artist Fellowship, support grant for visual artists, Artist Fellowship Foundation, NYC, 2017.
•International Artist Exchange, Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris, France, 2016.
•Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Artist Grant, Travel Award Scheme, 2016.
•Artist in Residence, 30th Annual University of Minnesota Thanksgiving Iron Pour, Minneapolis, 2016.
•Hot Metal Artist in Residence, Franconia Sculpture Park, Franconia, MN, 2016.
•Artist in Residence, Drop Forge & Tool: A Maker’s Workshop, Hudson, NY, 2016.
•Artist in Residence, Murphy’s House, West Cork Ireland, October 2015-March 2016.
•Associate Artist, Atlantic Center for the Arts, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 2015.
•Tyrone Guthrie Centre Bursary from County Fermanagh Arts Council, Annaghmakerrig, Ireland. 2015.
•Artist in Residence, Butley Mills Studios and Foundry, Suffolk, England. 2009.
EDUCATION:
•Milfield Foundry, Belfast, N. Ireland. 2012.
•Bath Spa University. B.A. in Studio Arts. Sculpture. 1999.
SELECTED HONORS, RESIDENCIES, GRANTS FOR NICOLE MARY MILLIGAN:
•Yaddo. Saratoga Springs, New York. 2016.
•International Writer status, Republic of Ireland.
•Named “Outstanding Southern Artist” by the Southern Arts Federation.
•Subject of Documentary Film, Ecrire en résidence (Writer in Residence).
•Bush Artist Fellowship for Literature, 2000.
•Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Fellowship, Fiction, 2001.
•Writer-in-Residence at Passa Porta: International House of Literature; Brussels, Belgium, May 2015.
•Tyrone Guthrie Centre Bursary, Annaghmakerrig, Ireland, 2015.
•Scholar in Residence, Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice, Italy, 2014.
•Writer in Residence, Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, Ireland, March/April 2014.
•The Whiting Foundation, 2016.
•Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Fellowship, Fiction, 2015.
•Florida State Arts Board Artist Fellowship, Fiction, 2009.
•Millay Colony for the Arts Fellowship, 2007.
EDUCATION:
•PhD Philosophy, Creative Writing, Bath Spa University. Bath, England. (2015)
•M.F.A. Fiction, Hamline University, Minneapolis, Minnesota. (1998)
•Playwriting Fellow, Derek Walcott, Boston University. (1996)
•B.A. Studio Arts, Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis, Minnesota. (1989)
SELECTED RECENT COMMISSIONS:
• The Samuel Beckett Chess Set
32 unique sculptures commissioned by The Samuel Beckett Estate and Arts Without Borders. The series of figurative bronzes based on the writer’s
work has been exhibited at The Metropolitan Arts Centre in Belfast, the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin, and The Jardin du Luxembourg, as part of
a cultural exchange for Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris, France, 2016. Project featured on BBC Radio “Arts Extra,” The Guardian, Belfast Telegraph, and
others. Bronze and wood. 20’x 20’.
•Cloud Horses
Sited on SD Hwy 10 roundabout to serve as the entrance to the Cultural Corridor, this Public Works Project is commissioned by the South Dakota
Dept. of Transportation, City of Sisseton and its Arts Council. 2020. Wild running mustangs made of “clouds.” Bronze, Steel 10’ (H) x 15’ (L) x 10’
(W) . (Current)
•The Marvellous
European Cultural Centre Public Art commission for Venice Biennale of Architecture. 2020. Based on the form of a curragh (an Ancient Irish boat),
this sculpture celebrates The Marvellous, our Earth, and a time when the sky and sea were one. Bronze, Steel, 8’ (H) x 22’ (L) x 10’ (W), Forthcoming.
(2021)
•Better Angels
Installation inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s call for Americans to embrace their “better angels” and unite as country. Commissioned by city of St. Paul
and Landmark Center. 40’ (L) x 14’ (H) x 20’ (W). Landmark Plaza. Forthcoming. (2020)
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•Balance (Justice, Wisdom, Hope)
For City of Hasting, MN county courthouse. Bronze, marble and wood. A homage to the Dakota Nation, this large bronze feather balances on a prism
to symbolize the hope for Justice to be in balance with Wisdom. 3' (H) x 13' (W) x 5' (D) (2020).
•UpLift (To Inspire or Elevate)
A hot air balloon sky. Installation for City of St. Paul. 40’ (L) x 14’ (H) x 20’ (W). Landmark Plaza, Summer 2019. Re-installed for the city of Hudson,
Wisconsin, September (2020).
•School Of (Fish)
Commission for Edina, Minnesota school system, Park and Rec, City of Edina, Edina Foundation and Edina Arts Commission. 6’ (H) x 4.5 (W) Steel ,
bronze, and slumped glass inspired by a “Unity” drawing of a school of fish created by Third-Grade artist Alex West. Centennial Park. (2019).
•Sky Fort
Percent for the Arts Project, Mountrath Community School, County Laois, Ireland. Finalist for sculpture project to be built on environmentally fragile
and culturally significant site. (2019).
•The Memory of Water
Commissioned by City of Grand Rapids, MN. The triptych is a narrative statement on man’s symbiotic relationship to nature, as it is a series of rising
rapids that culminates in one overwhelming wave that curls overhead and appears to join the sky. Bronze and steel, for the city’s central three
intersections, the work consists of three pieces 10’ (W) x 10’ (L) x 4.5 (H), 10’ (W) x 10’ (L) x 5’ (H) and 45’ (L) x 10’ (W) x 8’ (W). (2019).
•Three (or More) Billboards Outside Enniskillen & Sligo
For Happy Days International Festival and W.B. Yeats Tread Softly Festival, a series of billboards placed between the borders of Northern Ireland and
Ireland, featuring excerpt from “The Tower” by Yeats and “neither” by Beckett, as a way to express that art crosses all borders. (2018)
•Hutchinson Pillar Streetscape Project
Finalist for two elements for this $80,000 Public Art Public Works project for Hutchison, Minnesota. (2019).
•wave/sail
Private commission. Blue wave-inspired sculpture ergonomically designed to be able to look through while sitting at a desk. Inside it appears to be a
wave; outside it appears to be a sail. Madison, Wisconsin. 6’ (H) x 6’ (W). Bronze and Stainless Steel. (2018).
•Wind Horse
Commission for City of Eagan and the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority at the corner of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob Roads. Bronze and
Stainless Steel. 10’ (H) x 5’ (W) x 10’(L). (2018) .
•Ocean, Life
This commissioned work celebrates the students at Midwest Special Services (on Ocean Avenue) who have a variety of intellectual and physical
challenges. The 6 ft (H) x 5ft (W) x10 (L) bronze sculptural wave was created in response to a series of stakeholder workshops. St. Paul, Minnesota.
(2018)
•Lake of Dreams.
In honor of Martin Luther King’s quote, “We may have all come on different ships but we’re in the same boat now.” Commissioned Public Art for
“Make on Lake” project in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Working with community concerns, business owners, and residents to create a series of boats (up
to 14’ long) displayed at various businesses and locations along the impact area. The largest of these illuminated boats was skinned with instant photos
of the people those who live and work in the neighborhood. Underwritten by grants from the Lake Street Council and PEN America. (2018).
•The Allium Bench
Commissioned for the City of Eagan, MN. for Holz Farm, a historic site on the National Register. The bench honors Irish settlers from County
Tipperary who made the city the “Onion Capitol of the World.” 6’ (L) x 5’ (H) x 2’ (D) (2018).
•Dig
Two of twelve from series. Cast iron, wood. Depicts the stages of a man’s life in relationship to a tree that he has planted. 5.5’ (H) x 3ft (W). Bemidji
Sculpture Walk, Bemidji, MN On loan from 2018-19.
•Oarsman Before the Sun
Commissioned by the City of Fernandina Beach (FL) and the Amelia Island Tourist Council to include debris from Hurricane Matthew. Final piece was
a tribute to the ability to rebuild. 14ft tall. Driftwood, steel, and 24K gold, it was on loan to the commissioners for a site at Peter’s Point from 2017-
2018. In 2019, it was moved to St. Paul’s (MN) Raspberry Island, a central location in the heart of the City, where it will be on permanent loan to the
Minnesota Boat Club, one of the State’s oldest non-profits.
•The Last Vessel
A work by Alan Milligan in iron exhibited at the Franconia Sculpture Park, Minnesota. (2016-17).
•The Common Wheel
Bronze commissioned by The Stewart Parker Foundation, inspired by the words of the playwright. Now a part of the Lobby Collection at The Lyric
Theater, Belfast. (2016).
•People of the Sea
Alan Milligan fabrication for Holger Lönze. Marsh Award finalist. 14 ft. bronze sails set in relief against the sea. Coalisland, Portrush, N. Ireland. (2011).
Lake of Dreams
In honor of Martin Luther King’s quote, “We may have all
come on different ships but we’re in the same boat now.”
Commissioned Public Art for Make on Lake project in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Working with community concerns, business owners, area
students and residents to create a series of illuminated boats,
the largest of which was
skinned with instant
photos of the people
those who live and work
in the neighborhood.
Project included school
residencies and lectures.
Commissioned by the
Lake Street Council with
additional grants from
Hennepin County
Library System, PEN
America and others.
(Clockwise) Smaller boat made by students for shop window, boat
being photographed by subject for her social media account, PEN
America discussion with NPR “Our Stories, Our News,” photo of
schoolboys from the big boat, and students working together to
build the boat.
The Milligan Studio is inspired by working with communities to
celebrate their lives. It is our desire to create art with a sense of joy
and hope.
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Ocean, Life
Ocean, Life grew out of a commission to create
the inaugural sculpture for a new sculpture park
for Midwest Special Services, a school for
Special Needs adults.
We began with poetry workshops and then
painting. Both informed the final design with its
distinctive deep blue patination.
The sculpture was also fabricated on-site, as
seen below, so that students could watch the
progress of their piece.
For more information: themilliganstudio.com
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The Poetics of Forgiveness.
The Poetics of Forgiveness is a global public art residency project
that celebrates of the complexities of the human heart. Artists
work with school systems, community centers, and even
gathering places such as diners, to present writing and visual
arts workshops that explore the question of forgiveness. The
workshops culminate in a community celebration of public art.
The Project recently presented an Umha Aois, ancient Bronze
Age pour, as part of their Lake Street project, Lake of Dreams.
US sites include Amelia Island, FL, Hudson, NY, and St. Paul,
MN. More about Poetics of Forgiveness Project can be found
on You-Tube at https://youtu.be/HVp9DqCi7rw