STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life
AGENDA DATE: February 12, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):|910|DEPARTMENT: Office of Arts and Culture
EXECUTIVE: Joey Zapata
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize a contract with Jennifer Monet Cowley for the fabrication and installation of a site-specific, free-standing, outdoor sculpture to celebrate the life and art of Dallas artist Arthello Beck, Jr., at Twin Falls Park located at 6300 South Polk Street - Not to exceed $81,000.00 - Financing: Park and Recreation Fund (2006 General Obligation Bond Fund)
body
BACKGROUND
As established in Chapter 2, Article X, of Dallas City Code, the City of Dallas Public Art Program puts works of art by visual artists in public places using a percentage of funds from capital improvement projects. Under this program, a public art project was initiated to pay tribute to the life and art of Dallas artist Arthello Beck, Jr., at Twin Falls Park.
Artist Jennifer Monet Cowley and her team were recommended for the Arthello Beck, Jr., public art project by a selection panel composed of artists, community members, and a representative from the Park and Recreation Department.
Arthello Beck, Jr., was born in Dallas on July 17, 1941. He was the first African-American to own and operate an art gallery in Dallas. Mr. Beck believed his art was a means of communication, a vital therapeutic form of expression for the young and old. His paintings reflected positive images of African-American people and culture, including everyday scenes of congregations at river baptisms, ladies at beauty shops, children learning, sports scenes and dads reading to their babies. The selected location at Twin Falls Park is in City Council District 3, since this neighborhood park was close to Arthello Beck, Jr.'s residence and would be of significance to the community.
Artist Background
Jennifer Monet Cowley has been a visual artist and curator since 1994. She curated #u...
Click here for full text