The Key House: A Public Art Installation
In April, I submitted the following concept to the NEA Big Read Great Lakes Bay Region Public Art Project. They were looking for three different pieces of public art to be created and installed, by three artists, one in Bay City, one in Saginaw, and one here in Midland. It felt like a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity, so despite my insecurities I went ahead and applied to the call for artists in Midland County. I found out at the end of last week that my submission was selected by the committee and I get to create this sculpture for my city!! It will live at Creative 360 on Bayliss Street and I couldn’t be more thrilled and grateful for this opportunity. (NOTE: It was moved when Creative 360 moved, so it now lives at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640)
Concept Sketches:
PROPOSAL
My concept for this piece of community art is a house with no doors, and many keys, covered in a variety of climbing plants. I will build a house frame approximately 8’x8’x10’ out of steel. It will have two open sides for viewers to walk through and two closed sides, with a roof. The house is representative of the community as a whole. Then I will install a tension wire grid, both vertically and horizontally. This will serve two purposes: to give the community a place to hang keys, and a place for plants to grow up. I want to invite the community to come and add keys on key rings all over the sculpture. The keys represent the individuals in the community with open hearts, minds, and doors to neighbors. When we have open minds, hearts, and doors we can make real connections with people. For this portion, I would ask for people to donate random keys and also search antique stores to see if I can find a stash of old keys. I would buy a bulk box of key rings, to make it simple for people to hang them. Not only are the keys symbolic, but since their hanging will add some whimsy and movement to the piece in the breeze, and some variation in texture since they will all be different styles. Finally, I will plant four different climbing plants, one in each corner of the house. Over time, we will be able to watch the progression of the different plants, representing different kinds of people that make up our community, all grow and intertwine and work together to cover the house/community in a beautiful collaborative way. The purpose of the house (community) is to have a place for the plants (different kinds of people) to grow and thrive together. Once the plants have overtaken the structure you will still be able to see all the keys, many of which will have plants intertwined all around them.
This design relates to the neighbors and neighborhood theme that the Big Read is emphasizing, because it’s a metaphor for working together, being open minded, and embracing our differences to create something beautiful together. Everyone benefits from a community full of people who are willing to listen to one another and work together. I’m proposing this design, because it’s a message I believe in. The symbol of a house is a powerful one. It is a symbol of belonging and safety. In this instance the house is a symbol for the larger Midland community, because it is the home of all of our literal homes.
After meeting with Creative 360 staff I am proposing this sculpture be installed off of Bayliss Road. It will be be incorporated into a garden area where future renovations have already been discussed.
I’ll be sharing updates and behind the scenes as things progress on Instagram and Facebook, so feel free to follow along! Sometime in June there will be an event night where community members will be invited to come see the sculpture and hang a key. More details to come.
Thank you for reading this far and I hope that this creation will stand in our community for generations to come. I am honored to be tasked with this project for Midland to enjoy.
In an effort to foster a creatives community I’ve started a Facebook group called Art is a Record Creatives Community, the same name as this blog. I would love for you to join in the fun as we discuss creative living, projects, art, and life.
