Proposal "There Is More To Be Proud Of"
Section 1: Proposed Project
Artists Name: Cat Peña
Title of project: “There Is More To Be Proud Of” or “Look Out Clouds!”
Location of piece: This piece will be suspended above the intersection of Marshall and Monroe Avenue from (4) 23ft poles installed around the perimeter of the intersection.
Give a brief description of the proposed artwork: During the early twentieth century (1911-1950’s), the Edge District was know as “Automobile Row” as most of the car dealerships and repair shops in the city where located there. Having looked at vintage photos taken in the area in the 1950’s it was common to see flag streamers hung in lots to entice potential buyers. This piece pays homage to the history of the neighborhood and the traditional aesthetic choices of car lots to draw attention to the heart of the Edge District by hanging a condensed grouping of metallic streamers at the intersection of Marshall and Monroe Avenue.
Roughly (80)100 ft long streamers will be hung roughly every 3 ft to create an unexpected space of wonder, visual interest, and enticement to residents and people visiting the neighborhood. In addition, this piece will be visible from Sun Studio and should encourage thousands of tourists to entice them to explore more of the Edge and view artwork that is more typical of larger cities. The title for this piece will be inspired by a mid-twentieth century vintage car ad to further the connection to the history of the neighborhood. It is important to note that post WWII car ads emphasized a persons desires, the ability to experience the freedom of owning a vehicle and achievements in design that were not possible in previous eras.
Ads focused on what was possible and this theme is particularly important to share in the Edge District as it finds its new voice and embraces its past as “A Place of Makers” and enters into a new era of creative and unique possibilities. Please note that should this project be funded that I would like to host an event that capitalizes on the street closures of neighborhood festivals (i.e Rockabilly Fest and High Cotton Brewery’s October Fest) by inviting people to a huge picnic in the center of the intersection to give viewers an opportunity to safely view the piece from below. An additional Downtown Memphis Commission Events Grant will be written to cover expenses associated with this event.
State what aspect of your research findings inspired this project:
The Edge District was know as “Automobile Row” during the early twentieth century (1911-1950’s) and housed most of the car dealerships and repair shops in the city.
The neighborhood has difficulty in encouraging visitors of Sun Studio to explore other areas of the Edge.
Describe materials to be used:
Numerous strands of metallic hula streamers in various colors (blue, green, turquoise)
Rope Wire and brackets
Metal hardware
(4) 23 ft steel poles with footings and anchors
Give a basic timeline that includes the following; fabrication, installation, duration of work, and de-installation (if applicable). The duration of the piece will be a key factor in seeking permission and gaining approval from the City of Memphis. I would love for this piece to be suspended from April-October 2016. Should that duration not be ideal for all involved, I would like this piece to be suspended for the month of October to take full advantage of the 2016 Rockabilly Festival (10/28-10/30) and a potential High Cotton Octoberfest (TBA).
Describe any special installation or site preparation needs: Prior to installing the streamers (4) 23 ft steel poles will need to be erected near the intersection. Each pole will include structural footings to ensure stability and safety of suspending the artwork over the intersection. Once the poles are installed a wire perimeter will be hung 18ft high to give ample clearance to passing vehicles. From the wire perimeter, strands of metallic streamers will be hung every three feet.
If your proposed piece is meant to be permanent, what kind of long term maintenance do you fore see? While the actual art piece is not meant to be permanent, the poles needed to suspend the piece will be permanent and become a potential asset for the Edge neighborhood. The intersection could in a sense become a site where suspended artwork could rotate, or the neighborhood association/ festival planners could utilize as a method to hang lighting or shade structures for future events or campaigns to draw people to the district.
Section 2 : Budget
Artist Fees: $4,000
Design, project management and installation of flags
Engineering & Consultant Fees: $4,550
Dmitry Ozeryansky (Structural Engineer): $2,000
Liability Insurance Policy: $2,000
Pole installation permits: $500
Application fee for hanging Banners over a roadway: $50
Fabrication: $29,000
(77) 100 ft. Metallic streamers: $2,800
Pole materials ($26,200):
(4) 23’ Steel pile columns
(16) anchors for columns
800 ft 1/4” aircraft cable
Transportation and Installation: $41,400
(2) Scissor lifts rental for one week: $1,000
Flag Installation assistants: $1,000
Labor/Equipment of installing (4) poles (Southern Steel): $24,400
Hole digging, footing & concrete work (Kandu Construction): $15,000
Contingency: $5,000
Total Budget: $83,950
*Budget Notes:
A majority of the above budget is dedicated to costs associated with installing 4 steel poles and a cable perimeter needed to safely hang this piece. While the installation will hang for a year or less, the poles and cable will remain and become a huge asset in the continued economic development of the Edge District. In addition, this piece specifically addresses the Downtown Memphis Commission’s goals for Collabortory’s work; to create landmark artwork, increase property values, increase foot traffic, and address the aesthetics of the neighborhood. In the long-term, the heart of the Edge District will be able to change its aesthetic and engage crowds from year to year.
Section 3 : Artist Information
Led Artists name: Cat Peña
Email: catherine.pena01@gmail.com