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Description:
“Temple” transforms the site into a public plaza and is a
site-specific, environmentally sensitive work of art for this
neighborhood park. The east and west sides of the park are linked by
an earthen bridge, the dominant sculptural element. The sides of the
mound are punctuated by a series of steps, cut from the same
sandstone as the bridge, which rise from the floor of the park.
Along the south, the bridge fans to create the public plaza which is
designed to have many of the qualities of an island and functions
well for both individual and group use. The west end of the bridge
is flanked by blue vertical forms that create a gateway and a sense
of entrance to the space. These forms are repeated and further
articulated in the plaza area. Special culverts in the mound allow
water levels to be maintained on either side, as the site serves as
a collection basin for water run-off and is also flood irrigated.
The cool, cobalt blue of the ceramic material brings a vibrant color
to the park and makes a visual link to the blue Arizona sky.
Mesquite trees surround the plaza for shade.
Funding:
The project was funded through city of Tempe Capital Improvement
Project Percent for Art funds.
Artist biography:
Barbara Grygutis holds BFA and MFA degrees from the University of
Arizona. She has created works of art for public spaces since 1971,
and has completed 50 commissions of public art throughout the
country. These large-scale, site-specific environmental sculptures
of tile, stone, earth and steel are, according to the artist,
“…thematically based and create visual statements about the
communities for which they are created. Among the sculptural
elements the viewer can experience the interplay between art and
nature.” Grygutis has been involved in numerous public art projects
in Arizona. She was involved in establishing an Art in Public Places
Master Plan for downtown Tucson’s Development Corporation.
Artist statement:
“Temple” was designed to form a unique public space in the heart of
Scudder Park. The space that I created serves as a place to
congregate, to contemplate, to perform. The space will lend itself
to spontaneous and planned, formal and informal performances. |
