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--> --> In valuing art, we honor our artists By Amy Richard There's good news for Ashland's public art advocates. Following a January study session, the mayor, city administrator and the city council agreed with members of a "pre-public art study group" that it is in the interest of the city to create an informal study group to help identify the types of issues that need to be considered in developing a public art policy for the city. At its Feb. 5 meeting, the council issued the following statement: "The city council recognizes the value and importance of public art in the community and is committed to the development of a public art policy. To this end, the council agrees to participate with an informal study group to ... collaborate with the study group in the writing and implementation of a final proposed policy." Councilors John Morrison, Chris Hearn and Susan Reid have agreed to participate in this informal committee. That's excellent news, and much credit goes to the many people whose e-mails, phone calls, meetings and discussions brought this to pass. A public art policy is not possible without support from the city, and now it's important that individuals from throughout the community - business owners, students, commissioners, architects, historians, landscapers, arts administrators, teachers, art lovers and residents committed to enhancing this community-weigh in with their expertise and opinions. Community collaboration is essential because at the heart of a public art policy is how it serves the vision of the community and how it can be integrated into the design and planning of the community. Clearly that will take a lot of research, education, input and discussion. This will be particularly important in assuaging the fears that public art seems to generate. Councilor Laws is quoted in a recent news article suggesting that any policy would need to support "very, very strict control over any murals," and he concludes that "the easiest way is not have any" (murals that is). That would definitely prevent any controversy of site or content, but think of the possibilities that would never be discussed. Murals tell stories, and the same story can be told in many different ways. I have a special affection for Ashland's one mural on the Siskiyou Brew Pub wall (it was allowed to stay because of a tiny loophole found in city policy). It captures a slice of Ashland history and includes a portrait of a neighbor who died several years ago and who I miss seeing around town. Murals, however, are only one of many forms of public art, including play structures, free standing sculptures, landscape treatments, fountains and kinetic pieces that move with the environment. It can also include artist-designed functional elements such as lighting, paving, street furniture or bridges. An example of one of the latter elements is a piece in a Portland park sidewalk. Using light and dark paving blocks, the artist simulated the shadow of a large elm that is now gone. It is arresting, beautiful and integrated harmoniously with the site. Integration is key for public support because everyone fears "plop art" - art planted on any available triangle and corner without thought or purpose. A thoughtful public art policy and public art committee should prevent this and support the exploration of numerous options for possible sites, artists and artwork. And given the artists, educators, historians, planners and host of other community members that could provide input for such a discussion, the ideas put forth could verge on limitless. So cheers to the city council for recognizing the value of public art. For in valuing art, we honor the artists, who have contributed in a huge way to this community and our region. If you're interested in joining the study group, contact Bruce Bayard at [email protected] Amy Richard has lived in Ashland since 1990, was Revels editor at The Tidings for three years, and since June of 1998 has been media relations director for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing