City Council approved the art concept and contract with artist Boris Kramer for his art sculpture, “Be the Bridge” to be installed at the N. White Chapel Boulevard and Highland Street roundabout.
It will be replacing the artwork, “Prairie Winds”, a sculpture by Seth Vandable, which will be relocated to Bicentennial Park.
The Arts Council recommended for the “Prairie Winds” installation to be relocated due to the structures “pioneer” vibe. The artwork will be moved near the log cabin in Bicentennial Park. Members of the Arts Council recognized that Bicentennial Park is more suitable for the “Prairie Winds” sculpture because it will enhance the area’s connection with Southlake’s early settlers and wagon trails that were part of the westward migration.
Kramer’s piece, “Be the Bridge” was chosen based on feedback that was provided from a Joint City Council and Arts Council meeting in December. The Arts Council goal was to seek a proposal for an art piece that would highlight unity and culture, and this piece did just that.
The concept of this piece is about bringing acceptance and tolerance through the experiences of play and dance. The central figure will have five predominant colors: black, brown, yellow, red and white. The artists’ theory is that the figure can be interpreted from a variety of viewpoints. The sculpture can represent everyone from different backgrounds with one of the figures in the middle of the group making the connection, the middle figure could also be interpreted as the person who does not fit into simply one ethnic background or social group, or the figure could be a person who is blended into a number of different groups but can still be a catalyst for equality.
The City utilizes roundabouts, key gateways, intersections, open spaces and key destinations as opportunities for special design features such as public art.
The roundabout program is a part of the Public Art Master Plan, a plan that recommends commissioning and installing public art pieces in the roundabouts throughout the City for beautification and to build a network of art markers that help with wayfinding and placemaking throughout the city.
To date, art is installed in all Southlake Roundabouts. The replacement and installation of both sculptures are expected to be completed by Fall of 2019.
