Allen Public Art Committee highlighted newly completed projects during the July 13 Council meeting. Projects included art installed in 2020-2021.
- Reborn Spirit: Following a storm in 2020, the trees near the playground at Spirit Park were ravaged and marked for removal. The Committee saw an opportunity to commission a local chainsaw artist, Rob Banda, to repurpose three 8-foot-tall Cedar Elm tree trunks into custom art. Racoons, a buzzard and an owl now keep watch over the playground better known as the Hideout.
- Perpetual Flux: Completed in 2021, this floating piece is installed inside the Allen Event Center rotunda. The art is comprised of approximately 20 acrylic fins suspended from the ceiling by winches, creating movement. The translucent fins adjust color based on time of day and lighting. True to its name, this piece is always changing.
How the Committee chooses new community art
The Public Art Committee appoints a selection panel responsible for adopting the guidelines used to choose new community art. The panel begins the art selection process by putting out a call to potential artists. After reviewing each artist’s submission and conducting interviews, the panel narrows the list to a group of finalists who present their concept drawings to the selection panel.
Following the presentations, the panel chooses a lone finalist. The Committee then presents the artist’s concept to City Council. The Council holds a workshop where they review, and, potentially, approve the art concept.
Future projects
- All In: New art in progress at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. The piece is comprised of acrylic tubes made with sensors that react based on movement, audio levels, occupancy and distance.
- Updates to Public Art Guide, Public Art Master Plan and Map Art Mobile Guide
Did you know Allen has over 20 pieces of public art throughout the city? Learn more about public art projects and how to participate in selection panels.
Pictured: An owl carved from a tree stump perched at Spirit Park
Pictured: Perpetual Flux at Allen Event Center
