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Description:
The public art for the North Tempe Multigenerational Center is
rooted to a central path that runs the length of the facility site
and takes the form of a metaphorical river. The components of
Play Like A River infuse the river imagery with a playful spirit
reflecting the community function of the center. All
rivers have a source. At the north end of the path are The
Sources of Play, water-carrier figures whose
flowing contributions reflect the different aspects of human nature
within play: physique, intellect and emotion.
Concrete benches between the figures are inscribed with, “Play is
like the water that sustains all life; the joy of play nourishes the
human spirit.” The concept of play is carried throughout the site
with color-coded shapes imbedded in a river-like path. Three large
whirlpool shaped “medallions” are inscribed with The
Elements of Play. Along the path are bollards
shaped with sinuously curved edges that resemble the curves of
flowing river. The public art honors the multicultural character of
the community and neighboring school with The Diversity
of Play, featuring benches inscribed with the verb
for “play” in 30 different languages.
Funding:
The project was funded through city of Tempe Capital Improvement
Project Percent for Art funds.
Artist biography:
Thomas Strich was born and raised in California. He received a
double B.A. degree in Studio Art and Art Theory from the University
of California, Santa Cruz, and received an M.F.A. degree in
sculpture from Arizona State University. Strich has been an
Arizona-based artist since 1990. Since 1995 he has been applying his
skills as a mixed media artist and photographer toward urban
planning processes and public art projects. In his studio work,
Strich has explored the mentality and perception that underscore the
relationships humans develop with their natural environment. He has
completed public art and private development projects for Tempe,
Phoenix and Queen Creek.
Artist statement:
"With
the public art for the North Tempe Multigenerational Center, I
worked to meld the visual metaphor of a flowing river with the idea
of play. River topography and imagery are important aspects of our
local geography. The design team for the North Tempe
Multigenerational Center (MWK Architecture, Terrano Landscape Design
and myself) decided that a symbolic river would form the central
image and axis for the project as a whole. At the same time, I came
to realize that the facility would largely function as a place for
the community to come and play. The public art for the North Tempe
Multigenerational Center is based upon two facts. Water is universal
to life. Play is universal to the human condition. It is my hope
that this project serves as an engaging reminder that water and play
are essential to maintaining the health of the individual and the
community.” |
