Public Art Article

Students from the Department of Art were given a unique opportunity during the Fall 2017 semester. Twelve students enrolled in the class ‘Public Art: Theory, Practice and Populism’, to research and discuss the broad and complex terrain of contemporary sculptural practices as they engage public spaces. In addition, the students had the opportunity to undertake their own public sculpture process.

“The jump from theory to actual practice is the ultimate goal for all high-impact learning practices,” said lecturer Carrie Fonder. “For the students involved in the ‘Public Sculpture class’, they were introduced to all the facets of creating art for public spaces - from working as a collaborative team, meeting with stakeholders and fulfilling their expectations, as well as writing grants to fund the project. All of this occurred before and continued throughout the development and actual fabrication of their pieces of public art. I couldn't be happier with their professionalism as well as their artwork.”

The artwork was designed for two specific spaces. One on campus and one downtown outside the Pensacola Museum of Art. Three site specific pieces were created for the internal courtyard in Building 86. The three on campus pieces are: “Community Connections” by Emily McMahon, Bethany Ryan and Krista Taylor; “The Buddy System” by Rodnay Brewer, Tyler Grubb and Joseph Tempesta; and, “Coalescence” by Eugene Broyles, Madi Heinze and Coral Kieser. The three pieces displayed in Building 86 are planned for display through December 2018.

College of Education and Professional Studies Dean, Dr. William Crawley describes the process - “this initiative and the resulting works of art were the result of conversations between the College of Education & Professional Studies (CEPS) faculty and the Department of Art’s Community Sculpture instructor and students. Faculty shared their experiences and passion for engaging in ‘action research’ designed to support healthy communities, and the students shaped those ideas and brought them to life.”

‘Contained Play’ was on display from November 2017 through February 2018 at the Main Street Façade Sculpture Garden outside the Pensacola Museum of Fine Art. That work was created by Katie Carff, John Davis and Michael Stewart.

“Showcasing Public Art for both UWF students and the surrounding community enhances the quality of life within our local environment,” said Jerre Brisky, Director of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “When our students have the opportunity to learn not only the importance of the art but also the full process of creating it they are better prepared to move from an educational to professional environment.”