06/14/12 - City Council Newsletter

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th Public Invited to Contribute to New Public Art at 13 and Alder Eugene-based sculpture artist Jud Turner has been selected to create new artwork for 13th and Alder in the University District and the public is invited to participate. A selection committee recently chose Turner’s proposed art work from six proposals after the City made a regional “Call-to-Artist” in March 2012. Turner will build a 16-foot-tall great blue heron for this important and historically significant corner from welded steel, including the rails of a trolley that once passed by the corner. This location is a vibrant intersection where the city and university meet. Turner and the City of Eugene invite the public to be a part of this signature public art piece by donating recycled bicycle frames and parts, which will create a further layer of connection between the local arts world and Eugene’s award-winning bicycle friendly reputation. Those who are interested are encouraged to donate bicycle frames and metal materials that have historical significance to Eugene. Items with minimal rust will be considered (not all material will be accepted). Parts can be dropped off Saturday, June 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Turner’s studio located at 3923 Cross Street in Eugene. Turner says, “The proximity of the site to the Willamette River and analogy of ‘a street as a river of human traffic’ both make the heron an ideal symbol to connect the area to the surrounding natural environment. Great blue herons are also an iconic figure for residents of the Pacific Northwest…” The City of Eugene’s Public Art Master Plan calls for large-scale, public art pieces in prominent locations with great visibility to strengthen the community’s identity. This unique location for a signature public art piece created strong partnerships and support from the City of Eugene, UO Duck Store and the University of Oregon, making the project possible. In addition, OBEC Engineering is generously contributing the structural engineering as a gift for Eugene’s th 150 birthday. The art will be unveiled as part of the Eugene@150 birthday celebration on Saturday, Oct. 20. For more information on this or other current public art projects, please contact Isaac Marquez at 541-682-2057 or isaac.r.marquez@ci.eugene.or.us. City Launches Fundraising Campaign for Eugene Sunday Streets The City of Eugene has launched a $25,000 fundraising campaign to support the 2012 Sunday Streets event. A kick- off for the fundraising campaign will be held at the monthly Breakfast at the Bike Bridges on Friday, June 29, near the th corner of 24Avenue and Amazon Parkway. Eugene Sunday Streets is a free, community event that will be held on Sunday, Sept. 9, transforming almost three miles of roadway into a car-free venue for an afternoon of fun and physical activity in the streets and adjacent parks of south Eugene. The first Eugene Sunday Streets was held in 2011 and attracted over 2,000 participants and 200 volunteers. In 2012, event organizers are hoping to double that to 4,000 participants. The goal is to raise $25,000 and to have at least $4,000 of that amount come from individuals or households. Reaching that level of individual and household support will allow this event to remain successful and sustainable for years to come. Eugene Sunday Streets and other transportation option events such as Breakfast at the Bridges are designed to improve the health of Eugene residents, reduce drive-alone trips by encouraging more biking, walking and transit use, as well as increase neighborhood accessibility and livability, and create economic opportunities for local businesses. To donate to Eugene Sunday Streets, go to www.eugenesundaystreets.org or contact the City of Eugene Transportation Planning Office at 541-501-0390 or by e-mail at SundayStreets@ci.eugene.or.us. For more information, contact Lindsay Selser at 541-682-5094. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 June 14, 2012