After 5: A Walk in the Arts

Gazing across the city, an extensive amount of public art also has developed through the years. Staff at Springfield Regional Arts Council took notice and recently published a guide to the public art in Springfield.

They didn’t know what they were getting into.

“It was kind of massive,” said Kay Logsdon, former Arts Council director, adding that the process took “hundreds and hundreds” of hours.

The project features the work of two interns – Gunnar Larsen and Vanessa Keitel – over the course of two semesters. Keitel has since been hired by the organization.

The brochure details 45 pieces of public art divided into three districts – downtown, uptown and general. Intriguing pictures of each art piece are included, along with the title and the artist’s name. Location descriptions and a citywide map make for easy navigation.

“I hope this inspires people to appreciate the art we have in our community,” Logsdon said.

The No. 1 comment so far: “’I had no idea that we had this many pieces of public art,’” Logsdon said.

“The quality and quantity that we have is pretty amazing,” she added.

The brochure is available at City Hall and other municipal buildings, Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau’s three tourist information centers, First Friday Art Walk galleries and Jordan Valley Park’s Creamery Arts Center. A Web version is in the works.

The Arts Council is looking at publishing a follow-up piece of indoor art in public places. “It would be nice to have the inventory of what else we have in the community,” Logsdon said.

Kay’s Picks

Former Arts Council Director Kay Logsdon reviews the brochure.

Most interesting: The College Street Great Mosaic Wall, by Christine Schilling and Springfield youth

Most familiar: Sun Target, commonly known as the French Fries, by John Henry

Most public: Untitled on Park Central Square, by Aristides Demetrios “If you’ve been in Springfield very long, it’s almost part of your subconscious,” Logsdon says.

Hidden gem: Anne Case Drummond sculpture in Close Memorial Park, by James Hall

Favorite: K-Man in Jordan Valley Park, by Russ RuBert “Because he’s interactive, he’s taken on a personality,” she says. “Kinetic Man is not an it. Kinetic Man is a he to us; we identify with him.”

Job Opening

The Springfield Regional Arts Council is seeking an executive director. For more information or to send a résumé, e-mail SRAC Board President Jeanie Morris at info@springfieldarts.org. A job description and an online survey of what the community would like out of the new director is online at www.springfieldarts.org. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 1.