Client: City of Duluth

Location: Duluth, MN, United States

Completion date: 2010

Artwork budget: $180,000

Project Team

Other

Grazzini Brothers and Company

Client

Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center

City of Duluth, Minnesota

Artist

Teresa Cox

Teresa Cox Studio

Other

Mortonson Construction

Mortenson Construction

Overview

The design for the Amsoil Arena lobby floor is titled “Glacial Twist” and is inspired by natural forces and significant events that have shaped the Duluth-Lake Superior region. The artwork measures 4,200 sq. ft. and contains 9 colors, Mother of Pearl and exotic glass aggregates, aluminum forms and strip with hand-cut Minnesota stones.

Goals

The City, property managers and the architects wanted an artistic statement for this new space as it would establish a unique, contemporary identity and set an inspired tone for visiting this multi-purpose space (concerts, ice arena, classical music and community events). It was important to me that the scale of the work, the colors and the design were conceived as a response to the building, the lobby space, the community and the buildings usage.

Process

This was a competitive public process. After my initial design was selected by the Duluth Arts Commission I worked over months to deepen and refine the artwork in my studio. I developed several revisions of black and white drawings and refined each element in the design so that it could be translated into CAD and then metal forms. Color samples were developed and tweaked by me and made with the terrazzo contractor. I selected 100 Minnesota stones and had them hand cut to match floor depth.On site my biggest collaborators were the general contractor who assured smooth access and support for the project and the terrazzo contractor/master mechanic.

Additional Information

The City of Duluth along with the architects and general contractor did a great job in setting-up a supportive environment to do original work.