Museum Without Walls

1% for Art Installation in Progress

The Anchorage Replacement Jail Art Selection Jury has selected for acquisition artwork by Kim Brown from Anchorage in accordance with AMC 7.40, Funds for Works of Art in Public Facilities.

Brown has designed artwork that involved the staff break area at the new jail. After studying the jail, the jury decided that the persons most impacted by the incarceration atmosphere of the jail, were the employees. So the staff break area was determined to be an appropriate site for the artwork.

The jury determined to site the work in an area that would enhance the staff break area, which is very visible to the public from Third Avenue and Post Road and visitors to the new jail. The proposal from Kim Brown transformed the area in a sculptural space with blue concrete walls, blue pavement and molded blue Plexiglas. The selection was based on a competitive proposal process, after the initial selection was revised due to changes in the building architecture was significantly altered for budget reasons. The budget for the artwork is $165,000, which includes a $35,000 credit from the existing staff break plaza area. The artwork requires installation drawings stamped by an engineer for seismic and wind load specifications. The artist worked with the landscape designer, Elise Huggins, Earthscape.

An advertised public hearing was held on March 27, 2001 at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art from 1:00-2:00 and the piece received positive feedback. Glenn Smith, MOA Risk Manager reviewed the artwork and determined it does not pose any safety or maintenance concerns.

The Anchorage Replacement Jail / Inebriate Transfer Station Art Selection Jury members include: Greg Frosberg, ECI Hyer Architects; Martha Quimby, Arts Advisory Commission; Pat Petrivelli, Historical and Fine Arts Commission; Robin Smith, Urban Design Commission; Gary Webster, Department of Corrections; Carrie Longoria, Safe City Program Manager; Carol Bryner, Community Representative / Public Art Committee/ Artist; and, Margaret Donatello, also a Community Representative.

For more information about the Municipality of Anchorage 1% for Art Program contact Jocelyn Young at (907) 343-6473 or youngjh@ci.anchorage.ak.us.

Workers from Neeser Construction Company pouring concrete slab and walls to prepare the plaza.