Client: City of Bloomington

Overview

With a focus on the pedestrian-vehicle dichotomy, artist Greg Mueller’s use of decommissioned street signs adds whimsy and clever irony to an art swing meant for rest. Pedestrians are welcome to enjoy the gentle sway as they observe the variety of transportation modes within Bloomington’s South Loop District.

Located in Bloomington Central Station Park, facing the METRO Blue Line light rail and Bloomington Central Station. Across the street from Fiddlehead Coffee Shop, near Hyatt Regency Bloomington – Minneapolis, HealthPartners corporate headquarters, and multiple residences. This sculpture offers pedestrians an opportunity to rest and gather with others while enjoying the park setting.

The sculpture armature was fabricated with 2″ x 2″ square tube steel, clad with re-claimed aluminum street signs (with approval from Department of Transportation). The seating features a welcoming “porch swing” element of steel and white oak, suspended from the structural steel square tubing. Stainless cable and hardware support the seats. This allows for a gentle sway of 12″ but not a “playground-like” swing. The visible steel was treated with an environmentally friendly, powder-coated black. The color pallet celebrates yellow/black signage to maintain a cohesive, monolithic composition.

Goals

This artwork was part of our Creative Spark program where we requested proposals for creative ideas to activate public spaces in Bloomington's South Loop District. Sculptures selected were intended to bring beauty, delight, interest, and a sense of whimsy to the area and will be enjoyed by South Loop residents, workers, and visitors. The goal of the program was to select sculptures that are engaging, create interest and a more pedestrian-centric environment. They also help drive economic and development advancements by making the area more attractive, welcoming, and dynamic.

Process

The Creative Spark program was developed by Bloomington's Creative Placemaking Commission, a volunteer group of stakeholders who advise the City on creative placemaking initiatives. The call for art was open to artists ages 18 and older from Minnesota. Sculptures could be created for this call, or could be existing. Artists were asked to submit an artist statement and design concept along with requested budget of up to $12,000.

All submissions were evaluated, ranked, and selected by a review panel. The panel included residents of the neighborhood, business representatives, artists, and Creative Placemaking Commissioners. Four sculptures were selected. The City’s Creative Placemaking Director then worked with the artists to implement projects.