Client: City of Surprise, Arizona

Overview

When someone purchased my sculpture Knot Me before the city of Surprise, Arizona, could, their municipal arts committee commissioned me to create Top Knot for the city's civic plaza. Top Knot (108″ x 56″ x 56″) is made of powder-coated steel.

Goals

The city of Surprise, a rapidly growing city in the Phoenix metropolitan area, wanted a dramatic, signature sculpture for a grassy knoll that faces city hall. Two members of the city's Arts & Culture Advisory Commission had seen my sculpture Knot Me and were eager to acquire for that area. Before their process could be completed, however, a Washington, D.C. organization purchased the sculpture. Accordingly, the city commissioned me to create a similar artwork.

Process

I worked with members of the commission as well as several departments of the city, including Harold Hartman, CIP Manager/Engineering of the city's Public Works Department, who brought in a structural engineer to confirm that the sculpture's unusual design was safe. After completion of fabrication, Desert Coating Solutions powder-coated the sculpture in two colors. Finally, I worked with Mr. Hartman and his Public Works crew to install the sculpture.