Artist to create an art enhancement project for Central High School.
In 2006 Central High School completed renovations including a new building that houses
classrooms. UrbanArt is seeking an artist to contribute to the refurbishing of the school.
Though the renovations focused on the new building, the art committee determined that
the best location for public art is in the lobby area between the original 1909 building and
the 1960s addition. This area connects these two
areas, as well as serving as an entrance to the
gymnasium. Above the gym entrance is a brick area
that spans three walls.
Possibilities for materials include a variety of mosaic
applications such as handmade tiles, glass or cut
tiles; forged or cut metal; painted materials applied
to the wall, in addition to other materials. Artists
might consider incorporating the brick into their
design. The artwork should draw people into the
gymnasium, while conveying the spirit of Central
High School.
Artists might also consider creating an enhancement
piece for the front lawn of the school. The original
1909 building faces Bellevue Boulevard, with a large
lawn cut through with walkways, a round planter in
front of the entrance, and a stone memorial fountain
with benches.
This area would be ideal for a 3-dimensional artwork
that will appeal to current and future students as
well as vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Bellevue.
Goals of the project are to use public art to provide
an interactive, visual stimulus enhancing students
reading, writing, computation, thinking and problem
solving skills; to provide a welcoming and pleasing
environment reaffirming the importance of schools;
and to create a sense of ownership in the school.
Student involvement in the artworks creation, and
engagement with other facets of the production are
also important elements to the overall process.
Proposals should include participatory elements at
some or all stages, whether in the envisioning,
production, or the ongoing community interaction
with the artwork.
