7.1 EDSR 03-18-2024The 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
Economic Development Authority
Item Number
7.1
Meeting Date
March 18, 2024
Prepared By
Joshua Mollan, Economic Development Specialist
Item Description
Beautification and Public Art Committee Update and
Art Selection
Reviewed by:
Brent O'Neil, Economic
Development Director 3/14/2024
Cal Portner, City Administrator 3/14/2024
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, a financial contribution of $10,000 to support the curation of Carey Dean's "Where
Energy Flows".
Background/Discussion
At their February meeting, the Beautification and Public Art Committee reviewed proposals submitted in
response to the Public Art RFP. After scoring the two proposals, the committee agreed to recommend the
highest scoring proposal to the EDA, which was "Where Energy Flows" by local artist Carey Dean. The
proposed piece is a parallelogram-style stained-glass mosaic depicting the views of the Mississippi River in Elk
River on a framed panel proposed for Furniture and Things Community Event Center.
"Where Energy Flows" would require a $20,000 budget with 40% up front at contract signing and 60% due
during installation. The Beautification and Public Art Committee is working through the Central Minnesota
Arts Board grant process and aim to submit a grant application by the April 3 deadline for $8,000. The
committee will connect with local businesses to sponsor the remaining $2,000.
The EDA would serve as the fiscal agent upon the receipt of any grant dollars.
Financial Impact
$10,000 to be drawn from EDA funds. This is a budgeted item for 2024.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Support the curation and maintenance of public art in the community.
Attachments
1. Carey Dean Public Art Proposal Where Energy Flows
Page 12 of 22
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
Page 13 of 22
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.
Page 14 of 22
1
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.
Page 15 of 22
2
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.
Page 16 of 22
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
Page 17 of 22
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
Page 18 of 22
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
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