Client: Owensboro Convention Center
Location: Owensboro, KY, United States
Completion date: 2014
Artwork budget: $60,000
Project Team
Other
Dan Neil Barnes
Dan Neil Barnes Glass Art
Overview
“Cascade” Artist Dan Neil Barnes, 2014 45′ x 20′ x8′ – size of space it is suspended within. stained glass, stainless steel cable, aluminum stops, rubber gaskets, washers and polypropylene tubing
Goals
Dean Dennis of Global Spectrum (general manager of the Owensboro Convention Center) said, "It’s a very voluminous space we need some artwork as an accompaniment for the building — an added attraction, to break up the space and to showcase Owensboro and the region.' Dan Neil Barnes meet all the criteria. His large, suspended masterpiece can be seen from all directions inside and outside of the convention center. Cascade meet the requirements of the project which was focused on the Ohio River and the colors and feel of the newly renovated Smother's Park. Owensboro has been focusing on public and private artwork in the downtown area for the past decade and the convention center gave the city a chance to really showcase some large scale work like Dan's. Cascade can be admired from all levels of the facility and also incorporates one red piece to represent the heart of the city.
Process
Studio Slant, an art gallery in Owensboro, was asked to submit artists profiles for the convention center project along with a public request for submission. Dan is a staple at many fine art exhibits in Kentucky and the ladies of Slant just knew he would be a great fit for the project. Three different ideas were submitted by Dan for the convention center but his ability to create a scale model of his piece was what truly made him outstanding. It is sometimes hard for people to visualize what the final outcome will be and he was able to show them how it would look when it was finished. The Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem along with the management of Global Spectrum were all instrumental in the actualization of Dan's vision from model to final product. Working with the builders (Denark) Dan had the ability to build his suspension structure and put it in place prior to completion of the building which allowed the cables to visually hang clean from the ceiling.
Additional Information
Dan made 150 glass pieces for this project. Each piece took two days to complete. The entire piece meets the beginning vision of the Ohio River has it seems to ripple in the air, giving the visual of movement of cascading water. The heart of Owensboro glows bright red from within the blue and green iridescent glass. Dan was quoted in the Evansville Courier & Press saying "I've put my heart and soul into this project . . . it gives you real meaning and purpose in life."