Client: U.S. Forest Service

Location: Las Vegas, NV, United States

Completion date: 2015

Artwork budget: $50,000

Project Team

Artist

Zak Ostrowski

Zodiabula

Architect

Deborah Bergin

Lucchessi Galati Architects, Inc.

Architect

Craig Galati

Lucchessi Galati Architects, Inc.

Overview

There were five unique GFRC and steel wood benches made for the new Spring Mountains Visitor Center. Pantera, Char-Lumber, SwerveCrescent, facetROCK, and log. All of the benches were designed to fit within the site context and building envelope.

Goals

The intention of this Call for Artists was for the design and construction of integrated/structural art for the project. The artistic elements were mandated to become permanent integrated components of the building, site , grounds or interpretive elements that typically would be installed as part of the facility construction. The artists were given a design narrative, architectural, site and landscape drawings to describe the project vision. The final art was selected based on the design enhancement to the existing project features.

Process

The Forest Service designated an Art Selection Chair who was responsible to build and manage a Selection Panel comprised of local representatives in the field of art. Panelists were invited and committed to a process to develop a call for qualifications. From the responses of interest a shortlist of artists were asked to submit proposals for appropriate art for this project. Artists were asked to demonstrate their understanding of the site and project and discuss the project approach and ability to collaborate with the architects, owner and building contractor. Zak Ostrowski was selected to produce a custom mosaic tile installation and exterior site benches. The proposed art pieces enhanced the existing project design but were further tailored once his contract was awarded. Zak, with input from the Owner and Architects located and customized the designs to fully integrate the art.

Additional Information

Every art piece for the project was handmade locally in Las Vegas, NV. Project materials included: ceramics, GFRC (lightweight concrete), steel, reclaimed pine and fir, shou-sugi ban (burnt wood), and paint. Pantera is a limited edition art bench available in GFRC, fiberglass, cast bronze, and cast aluminum.