The Commission on Cultural Affairs and its Standing Committee on Public Art recommended that artist Joel Sager be commissioned to create site-specific art for the fifth floor of the addition to City Hall. The commission and the standing committee are now seeking public input on Sager's designs for this project.
Sager spent time becoming familiar with the city operations housed on the floor he will address, as well as the specific public spaces where art can be incorporated. He is proposing three works in the elevator lobby space. These mixed media works focus on themes of appreciation for the craftsmanship of traditional and classic architecture.
Sager is a professional artist residing in Columbia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Jewell College and is currently a curator at PS:Gallery. Sager's image "Farmscape" was chosen for the city's annual commemorative poster in 2004.
The proposal may be viewed and comment left through an electronic comment box on the Cultural Affairs page of the city's website at www.gocolumbiamo.com/Arts. Public input will be accepted through May 28. Suggestions may also be submitted by emailing oca@GoColumbiaMo.com, by mail to the Office of Cultural Affairs, P.O. Box 6015, Columbia, MO, or on the City of Columbia -- Office of Cultural Affairs Facebook page.
The project is being undertaken as part of the city's Percent for Art program. The Percent for Art program was established by city ordinance in May 1997. It allows for one percent of costs of eligible city new and renovation construction projects be set aside for site-specific artwork.
Contact: Chris Stevens
Office of Cultural Affairs Manager
(573) 874-6386
