4.1. BPASR 02-20-2024
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Request for Proposal
Public Art Installation
City of Elk River, MN
Registration Due Date/Time
January 11, 2024
4:00 p.m.
Proposal Due Date/Time
February 15, 2024
4:00 p.m.
City of Elk River Economic Development Authority
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
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Request for Proposal
Public Art Installation
City of Elk River, MN
1. General Information
This document solicits Requests for Proposal (RFP) for a public art installation for the City of Elk
River, Minnesota.
RFP Administration
Address all correspondence, requests for additional information, and proposal submissions to:
Joshua Mollan
Economic Development Specialist
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
JMollan@ElkRiverMN.gov
763.635.1041
Registration
Please scan and complete the web form to register by 4:00 p.m. on January 11th.
bit.ly/ERPublicArtRegistration
Deadlines
Registrations will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on January 11, 2024.
Proposals from registered artists will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on February 15, 2024.
Acceptance of Proposal Contents
The contents of this RFP will be included in the contract between the selected artist and the EDA.
All information in the proposal is subject to disclosure under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes
Chapter 13 – Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
2. Background
On May 5, 2014, members of the Elk River arts community, city staff, and the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan Planning Team met to review opportunities and potential locations and partnerships for
public art in the city. Participants also identified goals, strategies, and themes for the public art plan.
Members of the Elk River Arts Alliance, the Regional Arts Council, the Minnesota State Arts Board,
the Central Minnesota Arts Board, Independent School District 728, the Elk River Economic
Development Authority, and various theaters and other performance groups were all in attendance.
Attendees viewed a presentation and participated in discussions of public art opportunities and best
practices as they applied to Elk River. They then defined the potential scope, goals, opportunities
and approach to public art in the community. The input gathered at this meeting formed the vision
for the Elk River Public Art Plan.
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City History
Innovation has been at the heart of Elk River’s successes from its very beginning. Its roads and
waterways are examples.
In the early 1840’s, Elk River was a welcome rest stop for travelers along the Red River Ox Cart
Trail, a part of which is now US Highway 10. River boats brought people and goods to the town on
the Mississippi River while travelers and settlers both navigated the Elk River. Today both these
waterways remain places of relaxation and scenic adventures.
By the 1850’s and 60’s railroad trains brought commerce and industry as well. The town inevitably
grew and continued to welcome visitors to its rivers and parks into the next century. Charles Merritt
Babcock, an Elk River resident, saw the need for road improvement throughout the state and joined
the Minnesota Highway Commission, serving as its department head from 1917-1932. He proved
instrumental in securing legislative support and funding, and in constructing roads and highways in
Minnesota. His legacy is the statewide development of the Minnesota highway system and authored
the Babcock amendment (1920) to the state constitution, which funded building and maintenance of
roads throughout the state, a plan still in use today. An irony is that when Highway 10 was built
through Elk River, the Babcock home was destroyed to make room for the roadway.
Innovation has also been an earmark in Elk River’s energy resources, having earned the title, Energy
City since 1997. The Elk River Reactor, which opened in 1960, was America’s first rural atomic
power plant and was a pilot installation to provide small, inexpensive nuclear power to widespread
areas. By 1989, The Great River Energy plant had been restructured to produce energy from
municipal waste products. “Elk River is a hub of energy technology, energy manufacturing, energy
demonstrations, recycling, use of green products, and the adoption of sustainable living practices,”
says the Energy Commission. The City of Elk River is home to a 5kW solar installation, used to
teach the value of using solar energy. The city also encourages the use of electric vehicles and has
installed charging stations in town.
3. Overall Scope of Services
A. The artist shall incorporate the theme of their public art piece around history, community and/or
natural resources in Elk River. The judging panel will also be open to interactive art that still meets
the requested themes.
B. Artists are asked to develop a mockup, rendering, or sample of a public art installation (project) as
an entry as an RFP. Entries may include photographs, drawings or renderings no larger than 24” x
36” or modeled on a base no larger than 2’ x 2’. Entries must include two- and three-dimensional
renderings: 1,800 pixels wide in one PDF and include title, description and dimension.
C. Background
The Elk River Public Arts Plan states two elements must be discussed and defined in the proposal.
One is the role of public art. The other is the role and management of the program to support
public art. The plan concluded that successful public art meets the following characteristics.
a. It is accessible to the public (location and financially)
b. Has context specific to the site or community
c. Includes community involvement
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d. Can express community values, enhance the environment, transform a landscape, heighten
awareness, or question assumptions
D. Locations and Maintenance
The Beautification and Public Art Committee have identified two preferred sites for a public art
installation:
Furniture and Things Community Event Center, 1000 School St NW
This facility is a community event center which features two sheets of ice, a field house, a
senior activity center, and rentable spaces. The site has multiple interior concrete and drywall
walls currently available for public art. They range in size from 64 to 276 square feet. Photos
of the walls can be provided upon request. The piece could be proposed on one or multiple
walls.
Orono Park, 18599 Gary St NW
This newly renovated flagship park features a beach, splash pad, playground, paved trails,
dog park, pickleball courts, skate park, and a rentable pavilion. 3D and/or interactive art at
this site would be preferred.
Other sites may be considered if they meet the following criteria: public space, well visited, and easy
to access.
E. Vision & Overview
Project submissions must promote the role of public art in the following ways: Accessible to the
public (location and financially), have context specific to the site or the community, include
community involvement, express community values, enhance the environment and landscape, and
heighten awareness or question assumptions.
a. Innovation – Create a project that defines the city, its businesses, residents, and tourists.
b. Economic Development – Create a project that enhances the city’s economic base and tourism.
c. Judging – The panel of judges will choose a winner to complete their project. The panel may
include representatives from the Beautification and Public Art Committee, City Council, EDA,
Multipurpose Facility Commission/Parks and Recreation Commission and residents at-large.
d. Purchase of Project – The selected artist will be compensated for their project, which shall cover
design, installation, transportation and materials costs and an honorarium to the selected artist.
e. Location of Project – FT Center or Orono Park in Elk River are the priority locations of the
public art project. Alternative locations will be considered. Artists must provide weight, height,
and dimensions of their project in their proposal.
f. Future Maintenance – Define future maintenance costs to keep the project attractive and safe.
Project maintenance and associated maintenance costs will be further defined in a meeting with
the Artist.
F. RFP Timeline
1. Registration. All participants must register their interest in submitting a registration by 4:00 p.m.
on January 11, 2024. Registration is mandatory and a prerequisite to submitting a proposal.
2. Proposals, renderings, mockups, or samples are due by 4:00 p.m. on February 15, 2024.
3. Proposals will be presented to the Beautification and Public Art Committee on February 20,
2024 and may include photographs, drawings, or renderings no larger than 24” x 36”, or
modeled on a base no larger than 2’ x 2’.
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4. The committee will make its recommendation to the EDA by February 20, 2024.
5. The EDA will review the committee’s recommendation. The EDA may request a presentation
to the EDA of any or all projects recommended by the judging panel.
6. The EDA makes a recommendation to the City Council by March 4, 2024.
7. City Council chooses final project for submission to the Central MN Arts Board grant by March
4, 2024.
8. Participants whose projects were not selected have until 4:00 p.m. on March 29, 2024 to retrieve
their proposals, renderings, mock ups, samples photographs, drawings, models, renderings or
other related proposal materials from City Hall. The city will dispose of any unclaimed proposal
materials.
9. The city will submit a draft application for review to the Central MN Arts Board by March 13,
2024.
10. The city will submit a formal grant application by April 3, 2024.
11. The Central MN Arts Board reviews all grant applications on May 9, 2024.
12. On May 20, 2024 the EDA will decide whether to move forward with the proposed project
considering available funding sources.
13. Final Council action May 20, 2024.
14. Project construction must begin by Summer, 2024.
15. Project construction must be completed by May 9, 2025 with an unveiling celebration scheduled
thereafter.
G. Project submissions are valid for 90 days from the date opened by the EDA.
H. In the event the EDA believes additional clarification regarding a project submission or additional
information is needed, the EDA will submit a request for clarification to the submitting artist. That
artist has two business days to respond to the EDA in writing.
4. Proposal
The project mockup, rendering, or sample submittal shall contain only the following information.
Proposal Format
The submittal should follow the Table of Contents listed below:
A. General Information
B. Artistic Merit/Quality
C. Project Understanding
D. Project Approach
E. Location, Installation and Future Maintenance
F. Additional Information
G. Total Project Cost
A. General Information
Provide a project mockup, rendering, or sample that defines the City of Elk River which may
include photographs or drawings so long as they are no larger than 24” x 36” or modeled on a base
no larger than 2’ x 2’. Entries must include two- and three-dimensional renderings: 1800 pixels wide
in one PDF and include title, description, and dimension. Each artist must include a current resume.
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B. Artistic Merit/Quality
a. Provide an explanation of how this project will enhance artistic, cultural, and educational values
of the viewers of this piece of art.
b. Provide an explanation of how this project will advance the artist’s goals relating to public art
and build upon past public art involvement.
c. Provide an explanation of how the artist’s entry will allow all community members a greater
understanding and awareness of art.
d. Provide an explanation of how the public survey influenced your choice of project submittal.
e. How will your project create a broader understanding and appreciation of your chosen medium?
C. Project Understanding
Submit a one-page letter of interest describing how their project fits within the theme of history of
Elk River, community, or natural resources. The EDA is seeking an impactful, memorable project
that communicates one or more of these concepts.
D. Project Approach
Provide specific approaches, methods, and assumptions that will be utilized to accomplish each
work item. Artists may submit as teams. The EDA, in its sole discretion, may contract with an
individual artist or a team.
E. Location, Installation and Future Maintenance
Identify the location of the proposed public art project. Provide a proposed schedule from project
initiation to final completion. The schedule should include a listing of key tasks within each phase,
key milestones and approximate dates, and deliverables.
F. Additional Information
Include any other information that is believed to be pertinent, but not specifically requested
elsewhere in this RFP.
G. Total Project Cost
The compensation to the selected artist(s) will be from $2,500 - $20,000. The artist shall be
reimbursed between 25-50% of upfront costs for materials and the balance upon satisfactory
completion and installation of the artwork.
The artist shall break out the estimated costs as follows:
a. Public art piece materials
b. Transportation costs
c. Installation costs
d. Future maintenance costs
e. Any other costs or charges deemed relevant by the artist
5. Selection
Process
Members of the Beautification and Public Art Committee will evaluate, and rank all submitted
proposals received by February 19, 2024. After the conclusion of this review, the panel will
recommend the artist and project to the EDA. The decision will be based on a combination
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including, but not limited to: ranking, presentation of materials, and other qualifications. The EDA
will review the recommendations making a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council
will make the final selection of the artist and project to be submitted for grant funding. After
determination of grant funding by the Central MN Arts Board, among others, the city will consider
whether to move forward with the project considering available funding sources. The artist will be
expected to assist in developing a final scope of services and contractual agreement prior to
commencing the project.
Disclosure and Disclaimer
The city and the EDA reserve the right to waive any irregularity or defect in any submittal or reject
any or all proposals. Receipt of responses to this RFP does not obligate the city or EDA to hire any
respondent. Neither the city nor the EDA is responsible for any cost incurred by anyone in
preparation for a response to this RFP including but not limited to costs associated with preparing a
proposal or participating in any presentations related to this RFP. The city and the EDA reserve the
right to modify and/or suspend any and all aspects of this RFP at any time by providing notice to
responding parties.
The city anticipates applying for a grant from the Central MN Arts Board, among others, to finance
all or a portion of a proposed project. If the city does not receive the grant funding, the city reserves
the right to continue to move forward with the project using other funding sources or to decide that
the proposed project is not feasible at any time in its sole discretion.
This RFP is for informational purposes only. Any action taken by the city and EDA in response to
proposals made pursuant to this RFP, or in making any award or failing or refusing to make any
award, shall be without liability or obligation on the part of the city or EDA or any of their officers,
employees or advisors. This RFP is being provided by the city and the EDA without any warranty or
representation, expressed or implied, as to its content, accuracy or completeness. Any reliance on the
information contained in this RFP, or on any communications with the city’s officials, employees or
advisors, shall be at the responder’s own risk. This RFP is made subject to correction of errors,
omissions, or withdrawal without notice. This RFP does not constitute an offer by the city or the
EDA. The city’s and the EDA’s determination as to the qualifications and acceptability of any party
or parties submitting a response to the RFP shall be made at the sole discretion of the city and the
EDA.
Ranking Criteria
A. Public Art Message – 20 pts
How the artist’s project fits within the theme of history, community and/or natural resources in Elk
River.
B. Aesthetics – 30 pts
▪ How the artist’s project fits within the following parameters.
a. Motion
b. Texture
c. Color
d. Shape
C. Memorable and Impactful – 20 pts
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D. Related Understanding – 10 pts
▪ Can the work be built and installed as proposed?
▪ Suitability of the artwork for outdoor display, including its maintenance and conservation
requirements.
▪ Relationship of the artwork to the site and the host community, especially how it serves to
activate or enhance economic development.
▪ Appropriateness of the scale of the artwork.
▪ How closely the proposed artwork meets the vision set out in the RFP and the Elk River Public
Arts Plan.
E. Schedule – 10 pts
▪ How well the proposed schedule from project initiation to final completion (including key tasks
within each phase, key milestones and approximate dates, and deliverables) works for the city
and EDA.
▪ Evidence of the artist’s ability to work collaboratively and successfully complete the Project on
time and on budget.
F. Cost – 10 pts
▪ What are the city and the EDA’s costs in the short and long term?
a. Artists’ materials
b. Transportation costs
c. Installation costs
d. Future maintenance costs
e. Any other costs or charges
6. Contract Terms and Conditions
Prior to commencement of the Project, an agreement shall be entered into between the EDA and
the artist(s). It is expected that the agreement will provide for compensation for actual work
completed on a not to exceed basis and include at least the following conditions: Any changes to the
RFP would be communicated to the registered artists.
A. The EDA shall retain ownership of all renderings, mockups, samples, photographs, drawings, and
the Project prepared pursuant to the selected artist’s proposal.
B. If, for any reason, the artist is unable to fulfill the obligations under the agreement in a timely and
proper manner, the EDA reserves the right to terminate the agreement by written notice. In this
event, the artist shall be entitled to just and equitable compensation for any satisfactory work
completed to that point at the discretion of the EDA.
C. The artist shall not assign or transfer any interest in the agreement without prior written consent of
the EDA and city.
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Registration Due Date/Time
January 11, 2024
4:00 p.m.
Proposal Due Date/Time
February 15, 2024
4:00 p.m.
Carey Dean
612.889.6228
carey2art@gmail.com
careydean.com
Dear Art Committee or Whom It May Concern,
I am very interested in the current RFQ for public Art for the City of Elk RIver.As a visual
artist my work has been exhibited internationally and commissioned for public art
projects throughout Minnesota and the United States.Ideal for interior spaces,my
contemporary stained glass mosaics are representational and abstract depictions of
natural formations and dramatic American landscapes.As a professional artist,I strive to
capture the unique character of a region,create a welcoming ambiance and promote a
sense of pride of place.
With a background as an oil painter,my contemporary mosaics are unusual and break
the normal conventions of mosaic art having been described as “paintings in glass”.Well
suited for public spaces,my glass mosaics are safe,low-maintenance,long-lasting and
all-inclusive.With glass as my medium,my work introduces color and subtle light
reflections while complementing existing architectural features.
Celebrating the beauty and complexity of the natural world,my work brings the illusion of
nature both real and imagined into architectural spaces.My recent public art
commissions include unique interpretations of recognizable locations such as state and
national parks.As an artist,I look to the local landscape for inspiration to create artwork
that celebrates the beauty of a specific region and grants a timeless art experience to be
enjoyed by the public.
In response to your RFQ for art,I would be honored to create a contemporary glass
mosaic for any available wall space in the FT Center.My work is durable,safe for high
tra c areas and requires very minimal maintenance.For the RFQ I have submitted two
possible proposals both combining the theme of energy and the imagery of the river.
Both concepts are inspired by what makes the city of Elk River unique and regionally
significant.My artistic goal for this project is ultimately about creating an art experience
that celebrates the natural beauty of the area and pays tribute to the city’s rich history.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration and I hope to be able to work with
you to create a public art piece that enhances the public experience at the FT Center in
Elk River.
Sincerely,
Carey Dean
examples of my mosaic work
Carey Dean
Public Art proposal for the City of Elk River
carey2art@gmail.com /carey2d@yahoo.com
careydean.com /612.889.6228
Overview
For the City of Elk River’s current RFP for public art I have two proposal options for the FT
Center.One for the 8’x 8’wall and the second option for either the 8’x 8’or 11’x 12’wall
next to vending machines.
Background
As a visual artist my nature inspired work has been exhibited internationally and
commissioned for public spaces throughout the United States.Ideal for interior
spaces,my stained glass mosaics are representational and abstract depictions
of natural formations and dramatic American landscapes.As a public artist,I
strive to capture the unique character of a region,create a welcoming ambiance
and promote a sense of pride of place.
With a background as an oil painter,my contemporary mosaics are unusual and
break the normal conventions of mosaic art having been described as “paintings
in glass”.Well suited for public spaces for all ages,my glass mosaics are safe,
low-maintenance,long-lasting and all-inclusive.With glass as my medium,my
work introduces color and subtle light reflections while complimenting existing
architectural features.
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Proposal 1 -“Where Energy Flows”parallelogram-style stained glass mosaic on
framed panel for the 8’x 8’or 11’x 12’wall at the FT Center.
-Proposed mosaic features abstract imagery inspired by views of the Mississippi River from
the town of Elk River.
-Proposed mosaic uses slightly reflective glass in colors inspired by the local landscape
(a variety of blues,greens,browns)bringing color and subtle reflected light into the
architectural space.
-Proposed mosaic using the parallelogram-style technique creating the illusion of visual
movement and gradual shifts in color.Composition also gives the impression of energy
waves of movement paying tribute to the history of “Energy City”or town of Elk River.
-Proposed mosaic celebrates the importance of the Elk River and Mississippi River to the
city of Elk River’s local community.
-Proposed mosaic is low-maintenance,durable,all-inclusive and safe for a high traffic
public space.Only maintenance required wiping off dust and fingerprints every few years
with a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
-Proposed mosaic,if commissioned,would enhance my portfolio as a female mid-career
artist from Minnesota who is very familiar with the city of Elk River.
Specifications/Other
-Proposed mosaic approximately is 7’W x 4”H x 2”D for the 11’x 12’wall at the FT Center.
-The mosaic materials include hand-cut stained glass,concrete mortar and grout on a tile
backer board and plywood substrate with custom museum quality framing.
-The mosaic would be securely hung by cleat and security hardware.
-The mosaic can be designed,fabricated and installed within the project dates and
deadlines.Fabrication scheduled to begin fall 2024 for installation spring/summer 2025.
-The proposed mosaic would require a budget of $20,000 with 40%up front at contract
signing for purchase of materials and the remaining balance of 60%due during installation.
-Costs include approximately $2000 for glass and materials,$1800 custom frame and cleat,
$1200 installation and delivery,$500 glass saw blades/tools,$14,500 for artist fee.
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Proposal 1:Concept/Design “Where Energy Flows”mosaic for FT Center
examples of parallelogram-style mosaic (The Light Of A New Day On The South Dakota Plains
commissioned by 1%for the Arts City of Brookings,SD Government Center (left)inspiration
photograph (center)detail of parallelogram-style mosaic (right)
sample inspiration image from riverbank in Elk River (left)
digital mock-ups of parallelogram-style mosaic on either wall section at FT Center (center and right)-
actual mosaic would have similar color scheme but inspired by views in Elk River.Proposed mosaic
would introduce color and subtle reflected light into the space.The parallelogram-style motif also
gives the illusion of movement and energy waves.
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Proposal 2 -“Energy City”stained glass mosaic on shaped panel for the
8’x 8’wall at the FT Center.
-Proposed mosaic features abstract imagery derived from energy waves and the general
shape of the Mississippi River as it passes through the city of Elk River.
-Proposed mosaic uses slightly reflective glass in colors inspired by the local landscape
(a variety of blues,greens,browns,beige)bringing color and subtle reflected light into the
architectural space.
-Proposed mosaic features the words “Energy City”relating to the rich history of innovation,
renewable energy and technology the City of Elk River is known for.
-Proposed mosaic celebrates the importance of the Elk River and Mississippi River to the
city of Elk River’s local community.
-Proposed mosaic is low-maintenance,durable,all-inclusive and safe for a high traffic
public space.Only maintenance required wiping off dust and fingerprints every few years
with a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
-Proposed mosaic,if commissioned,would enhance my portfolio as a female mid-career
artist from Minnesota who is very familiar with the city of Elk River.
Specifications/Other
-Proposed mosaic approximately 80”W x 40”H x 2”D for the 8’x 8’wall at the FT Center.
-The mosaic materials include hand-cut stained glass,concrete mortar and grout on a
shaped tile backer board and plywood substrate.
-The mosaic would be securely hung by cleat and security hardware and professionally
installed by Museum Services Inc.of Minneapolis.
-The mosaic can be designed,fabricated and installed within the project dates and
deadlines.Fabrication scheduled to begin fall 2024 for installation spring/summer 2025.
-The proposed mosaic would require a budget of $20,000 with 40%up front at contract
signing for purchase of materials and the remaining balance of 60%due during installation.
-Costs include approximately $2000 for glass and materials,$1800 custom frame and cleat,
$1200 installation and delivery,$500 glass saw blades/tools,$14,500 for artist fee.
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Proposal 2:Concept/Design for “Energy City”mosaic for the 8’x 8’wall at FT Center
energy waves illustration inspiration map showing curves of rivers in Elk River color scheme
example shaped panel mosaic “Flutter”Children’s Hospital,mother Baby Center,Mpls (left)
rough sketch of “Energy City”chapped panel stained glass mosaic (right)
digital mock-up of shaped panel mosaic rough sketch
on 8’x 8’wall of FT Center
Carey Dean
mixed media artist based in Minneapolis,MN and St.Augustine,FL specializing in public art
carey2art@gmail.com /612-889-6228 /careydean.com
Education
MFA International Practice -UCA University for the Creative Arts,Canterbury
(formerly Kent Institute of Art &Design)Kent,United Kingdom.2005
BFA Concentration in Painting -University of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie,Wisconsin.1999
Public Art Commissions &Permanent Collections
Western State Hospital -public art commission for Treatment and Recovery Center
Tacoma,Washington 2022 -2023 (in-progress)
Surratts-Clinton Branch Library -public art commission for Welcome Area Alcove
Clinton,Maryland.2022
South Central College -public art commission for campus corridor
Mankato,Minnesota.2021
City of Brookings County Building -public arts commission for public waiting area
Brookings,South Dakota.2020
MSP Airport Terminal 1 -2 public art commissions for Valet Lounge
Minneapolis,Minnesota.2019 -2020
Westfields Hospital and Clinic Outpatient Center-permanent collection purchase
New Richmond,Wisconsin.2015
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center -public art commission for main lobby
LaCrosse,Wisconsin.2013
Mother Baby Center /Allina Children’s Hospital and Clinic -public art commission
Minneapolis,Minnesota.2013
University of Minnesota Morris Welcome Center -permanent collection purchase
Morris,Minnesota.2010
Minnesota Artist’s Collection -Governor’s residence temporary collection
Saint Paul,Minnesota.2006 -2007
City of Bloomington Water and Utilities -permanent collection purchase
Bloomington,Minnesota.2003
JAS -permanent collection purchase
Minneapolis,Minnesota.2002
Professional Work Experience
University of Wisconsin -Stout,Menomonie,Wisconsin
Senior Lecturer -Art and Art History Department,School of Art &Design.2006 -2019
Minneapolis College of Art and Design.Minneapolis,Minnesota
Continuing Studies Art Instructor.2006 -2020
Minnetonka Center for the Arts,Minnetonka,Minnesota
Visiting Artist and Lecturer.2006 -2007
Museum Services Inc.Minneapolis,Minnesota
Art Conservation and Restoration.2000 -2003,2006
National &International Art Exhibitions (2004 -present)
Drawing Distinctions 2:Exhibition with the London Group
Cello Factory Gallery.Lambeth,London and Furlong Gallery Menomonie,WI.2019
Drawing Distinctions 1:Exhibition with the London Group and UW Stout Faculty Members
Furlong Gallery.University of Wisconsin Stout.Sept.17 -October 27,2018
By Nature We Are Connected (solo exhibition)
Gordon Parks Gallery.Metropolitan State University.Saint Paul,Minnesota.2018
Sustainable Acts:Mother Earth’s Embrace Juried Exhibition
University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment.Saint Paul,Minnesota.2016
Fragmented Vistas (solo exhibition)
Minnesota Gallery,Macrostie Art Center.Grand Rapids,Minnesota.2015
Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
Furlong Gallery,University of Wisconsin Stout.Menomonie,Wisconsin.2014
Enchanted Forest (solo exhibition)
Gallery 360.Minneapolis,Minnesota August 24 -September 29,2013
Open Door 8:Eighth Annual Juried Exhibition
Rosalux Gallery.Minneapolis,Minnesota.2012
Phipp’s Healing Arts Program Juried Group Exhibition
Hudson Hospital.Hudson,Wisconsin.May 16 -August 5,2012
33rd Annual Paper in Particular National Juried Exhibition
Columbia College.Columbia,Missouri.2012
Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
Furlong Gallery.University of Wisconsin Stout.December 1,2011 -February 9,2012
National &International Art Exhibitions (2004 -present)continued
Northern National Art Competition Exhibition
Nicolet Art College Art Gallery.Rhinelander,Wisconsin.2011
Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
Furlong Gallery.University of Wisconsin Stout.December 17,2009 -February 2,2010
Biotics:All Media National Juried Exhibition
Conduit Gallery.Minneapolis,Minnesota.2010
99th Annual Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Competition
Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Gallery.Saint Paul,Minnesota.2010
North of the 45th Parallel National Juried Exhibition
DeVos Art Museum,University of Northern Michigan.Marquette,Michigan.2010
Chowan University National Juried Exhibition
University of North Carolina Art Gallery.Murfreesboro,North Carolina.2010
Art Biologic:National Juried Exhibition
Limner Gallery.Hudson,New York.2009
A Necessary Ornamentation:work by the Minnesota Mosaic Guild
Gordon Parks Gallery.Metropolitan State University.Saint Paul,Minnesota.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 Competition
Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Gallery.Saint Paul,Minnesota.2007
Southern Exposure:Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
University of Louisville.Louisville,Kentucky.2006
Open Door 2:Eighth Annual Juried Exhibition
Rosalux Gallery.Minneapolis,Minnesota.2006
Dislocated Ground:New work by Carey Dean,J L Dean and Jessika Worrall
Seven Seven Gallery.East End,London,United Kingdom.2005
Scottish Arts Club Group Art Exhibition
Edinburgh,Scotland.2005
Xross-Polynation International Artists Exhibition Randolph Gallery.
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 -20,2004
Request for Proposal
Public Art Installation
City of Elk River, MN
Daniela Bianchini
5457 43rd Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
651-485-1169
danibianchini@yahoo.com.ar
Instagram @dani_db_mosaicsarg
Letter of Interest
My name is Daniela Bianchini and I have been a public artist for the past 10 years. I have
completed many public art projects and it is my passion to beautify public areas. For the past few
years I have been partnering with Pablo Kalaka and we have been complementing each other’s
techniques and creating amazing works of art together. We would love to be considered for this
opportunity. We believe that our combined expertise and work techniques can create a
magnificent work of art that would certainly enhanced and beautify the Furniture and Things
Community Event Center and the Orono Park.
As a team, we have extensive experience creating collaborative public artwork. We both
developed and created public art work as solo artists as well as team members. We have worked
with city officials, private corporations, non-profit organizations, and more. We have worked
with many diverse communities and played a huge role in placemaking with many different
communities and cities all over the world. Our work relies on interpreting the beliefs, values and
cultures of communities and their places to represent them in our public art.
We truly hope to be considered for this opportunity. We both reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota
and we are confident we can produce an amazing, authentic, professional and beautiful work of
art.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Daniela Bianchini
Pablo Kalaka
Proposal
We are proposing a glass mosaic mural. Composed of thousands and thousands of small little
glass pieces, the mural will depict the values and culture of Elk River. Education is at the center
of this mural; represented with a book about ecology, a native person explaining younger
generations about settlements or an elderly person learning about new energy saving
technologies. Nature surrounds and embraces this mural. Parks and nature play a big role in our
mental health and we hope that visitors of the community center are able to appreciate the
importance of the natural environment and wildlife that surrounds it. In the lower section of the
mural, we wanted to reflect the geological history of the land, the Mississippi river, etc.
The design is dynamic and engaging. Visitors will not only be intrigued by the colorful images
of the mural and their meaning, but also delighted by the amount of details composed by mosaic
pieces.
We are proposing a mural about 11’ x 12’ for the Furniture and Things Community Center. The
artwork will be created in the artists’ studio. Mosaics are glued to a fiber glass mesh while
composing the design. Stained and vitreous glass and porcelain tiles will be used. We would like
to also propose a series of community workshops where people can participate in the creation of
a few sections of the mural while learning the intricacy of mosaics.
Once completed, the mural will be mounted to the wall with appropriate thinset and grouted. All
materials used are extremely durable and no maintenance will be required. Because this mural
will not be exposed to the elements of weather, it is warranty to last over 25 years.
We would also like to propose art work for the Orono Park. Mosaic art work over concrete trash
receptacles not only will beautify the park, but also bring attention and awareness to the trash
receptacles, encouraging people to use them and maintain the park clean. Two receptacles would
be ideal and complement each other in the artwork. Colorful art will be depicted and it would
also enhance the fun environment of the playground. Glass mosaics will also be the material used
for this artwork as well. The receptacles will purchased from Belson Outdoors, an established
company producing quality products, and they would be delivered to the artist’s studio. Artwork
will be created and adheres to the receptacles. These will be installed at the Park finished and
ready to use. No maintenance is required for this art work as well, but regular cleaning might
beneficial considering its regular use of the receptacle
Daniela Bianchini
Pablo Kalaka
WORK PLAN AND SCHEDULE
Project: Community Center Mural and Orono Park artwork
Artist Team: Daniela Bianchini /Pablo Kalaka
Mosaics will be created in the studio over several months of work. Once the mural is completed,
it will be installed and mounted in the community Center. Art work for the trash receptacles will
also be created in the studio and adheres to the receptacles. Delivery and installation will be done
with the finished work.
The following dates are estimated key points in the completion of the commission:
Phase Dates
I. Preliminary Design February 2024
II. Design Development (If adjustments necessary) Summer 2024
Final Design Approval Summer 2024
III. Studio and Production Dates for mosaics
- Begin August 2024
- Halfway November 2024
- Completion of mosaics March 2025
IV. Mosaics Installation (Mural) April 2025
V. Installation of trash receptacles April 2025
VII. Completion of project May 1, 2025
BUDGET
Project: Elk River
Artist: Daniela Bianchini & Pablo Kalaka
Date: 1/27/2024
____________________________________________________________________________
No. Category Description Quantity Amount
______________________________________________________________________
Materials and Supplies
Mosaics Glass, stain and vitreous glass, porcelain tiles, etc. $6,100
Epoxy cement, epoxy grout, buckets, rags, etc. $1,800
Miscellaneous materials, glue, mesh, plastic, etc $500
Concrete receptacles (with delivery included) $2100
Liability Insurance $300
Misc. expenses $200
Mosaics Fabrication $8,000
Mosaics Installation $1,000
TOTAL $20,000
Daniela Bianchini
5457 43rd Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
651-485-1169
Instagram @dani_db_mosaicsarg
Exhibitions/Work
2005 -2006 Saint Paul Art Crawl exhibition and organizer
2014 Group Exhibition - Winter Wonderland – Institute of Mosaic Art – Berkeley, CA
2014 Circulo de Amigos Mural - Minneapolis, MN, USA
2015 Group Exhibition SPAC - Spring Community Art Project - St. Paul, MN, USA
2015 Circulo de Amigos Murals - Minneapolis, MN, USA
2015 Collaboration in 4200 Cedar Mural Project - Minneapolis, MN, USA
2015 Collaboration in Bryant Square Park Mosaic Project – Mural – Mpls, MN, USA
2016 Spring Community Art Project –- Saint Paul, MN, USA
2016 Collaboration in Mosaic Flower Garden Mural – Haiti
2016 Beautify Minneapolis (Awesome Foundation Grant)- Minneapolis, USA
2016 Collaboration in Lyndale Gardens Mosaic Amphitheatre – Goodspace Murals - MN, USA
2016 Global U – University of Minnesota – Saint Paul, MN, USA
2017 Spring Community Art Project – SPAC & Saints - Saint Paul, MN, USA
2017 Collaboration in Bossen Neighborhood Mural – Minneapolis, MN, USA
2017 Group Exhibition of Bossen Mural Artists – Crosstown Covenant Church - Mpls, MN
2018 Circulo de Amigos ConnectArte Murals – South Minneapolis
2019 Beautify Saint Paul – Downtown Saint Paul, MN
2019 Chroma Zone Mural Festival – Saint Paul, MN
2019 CLUES Mosaic mural – Saint Paul - MN
2019 University of Minnesota Mural – Coffman Union – Saint Paul, MN
2020 Beautify Saint Paul – Downtown Saint Paul, MN
2020 Roseville in the Bloom Sculpture – Roseville, MN
2020 MN Child Welfare Training Academy murals
2021 Legend of Identify Murals – West Side Saint Paul– CURA ANPI grant
2021 Nokomis Mural – Minneapolis, MN
2021 Beautify Saint Paul – Downtown Saint Paul, MN
2021 Creative Sparks Sculpture - Bloomington, MN
2021 Eagan Art Bench – Eagan, MN
2021 City of Hastings Mural – Hastings, MN
2022 Timber & Tie Apartments trash receptacles, Minneapolis, MN
2022 Target Field Mural – Minneapolis, MN
2022 Lakeville Bench Sculpture – Lakeville, MN
2022 Lakeville Tree Sculpture – Lakeville, MN
2023 Guild Foundation Mural – Saint Paul, MN
2023 Mosaic planters – East Saint Paul, MN
2023 MN Wild Life Refuge mural – Bloomington, MN
2023Alebrijes sculptures - East Sculpture Park, East St. Paul, MN
2024 Soul Apartment Sculpture – West Saint Paul, MN
Pablo Diego Riesco Perez
(Aka Pablo Kalaka)
651-398-5162
Instagram @pablokalaka
Exhibitions/Work
Cara Candela, Puro Corazón. CELARG, Caracas, 2010.
I Bienal del Sur. Pueblos en Resistencia. Caracas, 2015.
Cuestión Caribe. Museum of Contemporary Art Armando Reverón, Caracas, 2016.
II Bienal del Sur. Pueblos en Resistencia. Caracas, 2017.
Hijos de Reyes Indigenous Roots Cultural Center, Sanit Paul, 2019
7 Garras, Exposición Colectiva, Planta Baja Galería , Ciudad de México, 2019.
Mural Art Festivals:
Kosmopolite. Paris, France, 2008.
Karupana. Carúpano, Venezuela, 2013.
Cromasur. Bogotá, Colombia, 2015.
Puerta del Sur. Santiago de Chile, 2018.
Festival de Arte Amazónico.
Pucallpa, Perú, 2019.
Mural Art Projects:
Mural comunitario. Lindau. Alemania, 2010.
Mural por la Memoria. Barcelona. España. 2014.
School N. 15. La Plata. Argentina. 2017.
Laboratorio Teatral Anna Julia Rojas. Caracas, Venezuela. 2018.
Mercado Central. Minneapolis, US. 2018.
Barbara Barker´s Center for Dance. Minneapolis, US. 2019.
Restaurant Mañana. Saint Paul, US. 2019.
Working Class Hero is something to be. Saint Paul, US. 2019.
Mujam. México City. 2019.
Color Cojímar, La Habana, Cuba. 2019.
Escuela 15 Ensenada, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2020
Centro Cultural Ensenada, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2020
Museo del Juguete, Mexico City, Mexico 2021
Legend of Identify Murals – West Side Saint Paul– CURA ANPI grant 2021
Nokomis Mural – Minneapolis, MN 2021
City of Hastings Mural – Hastings, MN 2021
Target Field Mural – Minneapolis, MN 2022
Fresh Paint Mural Festival – Springfield, MA 2022
West Saint Paul Mural – Saint Paul, MN 2022
Guild Foundation Mural – Saint Paul, MN 2023
MN Wild Life Refuge mural – Bloomington, MN 2023
Lake Street Somali Murals – Minneapolis, MN 2023
New York Plaza Mural – Minneapolis, MN 2023
Soul Apartment Sculpture – West Saint Paul, MN 2024
Criteria Description Max
Points
Carey
Dean
Daniela
Bianchini
Public Art Message How the artist's project fits within the theme of history, community
and/or natural resources in Elk River 20
Aesthetics
How the artist's project fits within the following parameters:
a. Motion
b. Texture
c. Color
d. Shape
30
Memorable and Impactful 20
Related Understanding
Can the work be built and installed as proposed?
Suitability of the artwork for outdoor display, including its maintenance
and conservation requirements.
Relationship of the artwork to the site and the host community,
especially how it serves to activate or enhance economic development.
Appropriateness of the scale of the artwork.
How closely the proposed artwork meets the vision set out in the RFP
and the Elk River Public Arts Plan.
10
Schedule
How well the proposed schedule from project initiation to final
completion (including key tasks within each phase, key milestones and
approximate dates, and deliverables) works for the city and EDA.
Evidence of the artist’s ability to work collaboratively and successfully
complete the Project on time and on budget.
10
Cost
What are the city and the EDA’s costs in the short and long term?
a. Artists’ materials
b. Transportation costs
c. Installation costs
d. Future maintenance costs
e. Any other costs or charges
10
100
Public Art Proposal Scoring Rubric