Grove Street Illuminated and Boise Canal

Client: City of Boise

Location: Boise, ID, United States

Completion date: 2003

Artwork budget: $95,000

Project Team

Artist

Amy Westover

Westover Artworks LLC

Industry Resource

Classic Design Studio

Landscape Architect

Jensen Belts Landscape Architects

Overview

Grove Street Illuminated and Boise Canal are two related site specific public art projects and the first works completed under the Percent for Art program in Boise Idaho. A revitalization of a downtown plaza and parking garage resulted in a landmark sculpture for the city. Located on a main downtown street with a rich historical significance, it was important for the sculpture to function as a “gateway” piece for The Greater Boise Auditorium District as well as offer an experience for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Goals

The three large "rings" that formally make up the sculpture refer to the cycles of time and change that have taken place on Grove Street while the ten “manhole” covers mark the axis of a now underground canal that helped give Grove Street it’s name. I see the canal and the flowing water as a bridge connecting the rich historical past to the present time and place. Historical photographs, newspaper clippings and engraved text helps connect visitors to district and city identity.

Process

Designed by artist Amy Westover in collaboration with Jensen Belts Landscape Architects, Classic Design Studio and the City of Boise's Historical Department. Commissioned by the City of Boise, CCDC and GBAD.