Ames Public Art Commission

Amazing Photos Of Peter Irniq Visit

2011-12-01T11:17:00.001-06:00

Photographer Clark Colby was on hand for every moment of the Peter Irniq visit to Ames.

This link will take you to over 100 photos of the 2010 "Artist In Residence" event.

Dedication Ceremony Tonight!

2011-09-30T07:43:00.001-05:00

The public response to artist Peter Irniq during his visit to Ames has been remarkable.

Join us for a dedication ceremony and reception tonight at 6 at Brookside Park. Check out our Facebook page for pictures.

Peter Irniq At Ames Public Library Tonight

2011-09-27T09:29:00.001-05:00

Two chances to see artist Peter Irniq today: he's building in Brookside Park and will be lecturing at Ames Public Library tonight.

First Inuksuk Is Finished!

2011-09-21T12:19:00.002-05:00

The first Inuksuk has been completed by Peter Irniq at Emma McCarthy Lee Park! Stop out and see it.

Peter Irniq Is Ready To Build

2011-09-19T11:06:00.004-05:00

Inuit artist Peter Irniq is in Ames! Be sure to come out and see him build Inuksuit in three different locations.

Irniq will be building on Tuesday, September 20 and Wednesday, September 21 and Emma McCarthy Lee Park. He'll provide a free lecture on Wednesday night at 7 at the Sun Room in the Memorial Union on the campus of Iowa State University.

Building at Emma McCarthy Lee Park continues on Thursday.

Irniq will appear on the "Mel In The Morning" show on KASI in Ames on Friday then begin building in Brookside Park.

He'll spend Sunday, September 25 at the Octagon Arts Festival and then resume building on Monday and Tuesday at Brookside Park.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (September 28, 29, and 30) will be building days at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. A reception and dedication ceremony is set for Brookside Park on September 30th at 6 pm.

Canada's Consul General To Help Dedicate Irniq Sculptures

2011-09-14T14:01:00.003-05:00

The Ames Public Art Commission has finalized the agenda for the dedication and reception that will conclude Inuit artist Peter Irniq's visit to Ames. The PAC has also announced that Martin Loken, Canada's Consul General, will be part of the dedication.

Mr. Loken is Canada’s senior diplomatic representative in the Upper Midwest. As Consul General, he works to build cross-border trade, investment and technology partnering links. A member of Canada’s Foreign Service since 1990, he has represented Canada overseas in Prague and Geneva, and has held several positions in Ottawa, including as a senior trade negotiator.

The dedication and reception is set for Maple Shelter at Brookside Park in Ames at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 30th. Ames Mayor Ann Campbell and Ames city council members will also be present.

Light refreshments will be served to the public and music will be provided by World Port. Parking is directly south of the shelter off 6th Street, across from the skatepark.

PAC Spotlight: Art Around The Corner

2011-07-18T09:55:00.003-05:00

Each year, the "Art Around The Corner" subcommittee of the Ames Public Art Commission selects up to four sculptures to display in downtown Ames.

The committee accepts entries from throughout the corner--and some sculptures end up being purchased by the committee and placed permanently in neighborhoods in Ames.

The entry period this year begins September 1. Here are the complete details.

Garden Art Fair Set For This Sunday!

2011-07-07T13:44:00.001-05:00

The Ames Public Art Commission will have a booth at this weekend's Garden Art Fair.

Artist Peter Irniq Returns From Scotland

2011-06-30T10:51:00.002-05:00

Inuit artist Peter Irniq has just returned from Scotland and is preparing for his September visit to Ames.

While in Scotland, Irniq built an Inuksuk for Scotland National Museum, as part of their Living Lands Exhibit. It will be a permanent exhibit along with Aino of Japan, Dene of the Northwest Territories, and Aborigines of Australia.

Irniq's upcoming schedule in Ames:

His schedule includes:

September 21
Lecture at ISU: 7 pm, Sun Room, Memorial Union

September 24
Inuksuk-building workshop: 9 am - 12 noon

September 25
Octagon Art Festival: 1 pm - 4 pm

September 27
Lecture at Ames Public Library: 7pm

September 30
Reception and Dedication: 6 pm, location TBA

Garden Art Fair Set For July 10

2011-06-13T11:40:00.002-05:00

Reiman Gardens in Ames will host it's annual Garden Art Fair on July 10th this year and Ames Public Art Commission members will once again have a booth in order to chat with attendees about our latest projects.

Reiman Gardens is also looking for volunteers to assist the event this year.

Dozens of artists from throughout the Midwest display and sell their work at the fair each year...here are some samples.

Ames To Welcome Irniq This Fall

2011-05-25T15:26:00.004-05:00

The Ames Public Art Commission and the City of Ames will welcome Inuit Artist Peter Irniq to Ames this fall.

Born in 1947 in Lyon Inlet near Repulse Bay,Northwest Territories, Peter Taqtu Irniq is a former Commissioner of Nunavut, an Inuit cultural teacher and an artist. He has lived most of his life in Nunavut, though he has also lived in the Western Arctic (Northwest Territories), Manitoba and Ontario.

Peter is an Inuit Canadian and served as the second Commissioner of Nunavut from April of 2000 to April of 2005. Mr. Irniq currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario.

Throughout his professional life, Mr. Irniq has focused on advancing Inuit culture and language. He is a respected spokesperson who has worked nationally and internationally to connect all people to Nunavut, its culture, art and history.

Irniq will share his passion and expertise with the citizens of Ames through the making of three stone landmarks called inuksuk.

An inuksuk (pl. inuksuit) is a stone monument constructed for the purpose of navigation by the Inuit people of northern Canada. Inuksuit designate good hunting or fishing areas, mark trails and serve as a point of reference for travelers. According to Peter Irniq, “inuksuit are essential to the survival of the Inuit people.”

His schedule includes:

September 21
Lecture at ISU: 7 pm, Sun Room, Memorial Union

September 24
Inuksuk-building workshop: 9 am - 12 noon

September 25
Octagon Art Festival: 1 pm - 4 pm

September 27
Lecture at Ames Public Library: 7pm

September 30
Reception and Dedication: 6 pm, location TBA

Peter Irniq Comes To Ames

2010-12-16T12:21:00.000-06:00

Public Art Commission chair Sam Stagg talks with renown Inuit artist, Peter Irniq, about his upcoming visit to Ames.

Check Out The PAC Booth At The Octagon Art Festival

2010-09-21T13:52:00.006-05:00

Come see the members of the Ames Public Art Commission at our booth this Sunday at the 40th annual Octagon Center For The Arts festival.

In celebration of Peter Irniq's upcoming project in Ames, kids will get the chance to make their own inuksuk at our booth.

City Council Approves Next "Art In The Park" Project

2010-09-17T10:50:00.003-05:00

The Ames city council has approved a request by the Public Art Commission to proceed with the selection of Peter Irniq to be the next artist featured for the PAC's "Art In The Parks" program.

Irniq is an artist and cultural teacher as well as the former commissioner of Nunavut, Canada, a northern artic territory near Greenland. His passion and expertise about the Inuit culture is expressed through the making of stone landmarks called inuksuk.

An inuksuk is a stone monument constructed for the purpose of navigation by the Inuit people of northern Canada. Inuksuit would designate good hunting areas or fishing spots, they would mark trails, and they would serve as a point of reference for travelers. According to Irniq, they were essential for the survival of the Inuit people.

The Public Art Commission invited Irniq to Ames this past May and determined his artwork would be a great addition to the Ames public art collection.

The Parks and Recreation Commission has approved the installation of three inuksuit sculptures in three separate parks: Emma McCarthy Lee Park, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, and Brookside Park.

In addition to constructing three inuksuit, the artist has agreed to give a public lecture about his work and culture, and he will conduct a weekend public workshop to teach citizens how to make their own inuksuit.

Ames residents will remember the participation and excitement generated by the "Restless by Nature" installation at Ada Hayden by artist Patrick Dougherty, and the PAC hopes this next project will build upon that excitement.

Peter Irniq To Bring Inuit Art To Ames

2010-07-14T15:32:00.004-05:00

In an earlier post, we highlighted the life and work of Inuit artist Peter Irniq in advance of a visit to Ames.

The Ames Public Art Commission has voted to bring him back to Ames in the fall of 2011 in order to build Inuit art and share Inuit culture with the people of the city.

Peter's visit and subsequent work is tentatively set for late September/early October 2011, which would coincide with the annual Ames Octagon Arts Festival.

Join Us At The Reiman Gardens Art Fair!

2010-07-10T07:38:00.002-05:00

The Reiman Gardens Art Fair, an event celebrating "art in the garden and the garden in art" is set for Sunday, July 11 from 9 until 4 at the Gardens.

The Ames Public Art Commission will have a booth at the fair. We'll have information on how to order "Restless By Nature" prints--plus PAC members will be on hand to talk about the various Commmission projects that you read about on this blog.

Here's a list of artists at the event as well. Come see us!

"Restless By Nature" Through The Seasons

2010-06-25T09:38:00.003-05:00

If you haven't gotten a chance to enjoy "Restless By Nature" by Patrick Dougherty in Ada Hayden Park, please sure to put a visit on your calendar.

In fact, schedule several visits.

One of the wondrous features of this work of art is that it changes through the seasons.

Take a look at this series of photos, which captures the beauty of "Restless By Nature" through the years.

World-Renowned Artist To Visit Ames

2010-04-23T07:00:00.003-05:00

A world-renowned artist who was commissioned for work at the Vancouver Winter Olympics this year is coming to Ames.

Peter Irniq will visit Ames from May 5-7. Irniq creates inuksuit, stone landmarks used by the Inuit, Inupiat, Kalaallit, Yupik, and other peoples of the Arctic region of North America. Inuksuit may have been used for navigation, as a point of reference, a marker for hunting grounds, or as a food cache.

Irniq, who is an Inuit cultural activist, will be exploring the possibility of constructing inuksuit in Ames. His visit will include a tour of the parks of the city.

Irniq explains inuksuit in the video featured above.

The Ames Art Experience

2010-04-12T08:25:00.002-05:00

Art lovers will enjoy a discussion group that will meet at the Ames Public Library later this month.

The "Ames Art Experience" invites residence to view pieces of art then discuss them. On Thursday, April 22, the group will discuss the work of Bill Barrett at 7 pm at the Founder's Suite at the Ames Public Library, which is located at 515 Douglas Avenue.

Participants are encouraged to view his outdoor sculptures located at ISU’s Gerdin Building and in the Elizabeth and Byron Anderson Sculpture Garden as well as his expressive canvases and sculptural maquettes in the Christian Petersen Art Museum atISU’s Morrill Hall before the discussion.

The presentation is free and is sponsored by Ames C.art and the Ames Public Library.

Ames C.art Mural Program

2010-04-09T08:59:00.003-05:00

At its April meeting, the Ames Public Art Commission voted unanimously to endorse the efforts of the group called "Ames C.art" in their effort to create the first community-created mural in Ames.

A design team from Ames C.art will map out the mural's outline on the north wall of the T-Galaxy building in Campustown, and community volunteers will join in the actual painting.

Since the project will take place on private property, the Commission can't provide financial support, but encourages the public to volunteer for this exciting project. Complete details can be found here.

Welcome New Members!

2010-04-09T08:55:00.002-05:00

Each April, the Ames Public Art Commission welcomes new members.

This year, the Commission is pleased to be joined by Christopher Betts, Greg Fuqua, and Bill LaGrange.

The Commission is a very active committee and the new members will be choosing soon to serve on one or more subcommittees such as fund-raising, public relations, or overseeing ongoing projects such as Art Around The Corner and Neighborhood Sculpture.

New Neighborhood Sculptures!

2010-04-05T11:12:00.006-05:00

The Ames Public Art Commission annually selects up to four sculptures to be displayed in downtown Ames for a year as part of it's "Art Around The Corner" program.

Ames neighborhoods are then given the opportunity to acquire one of the sculptures on display as part of its "Neighborhood Sculpture" program.

The Commission has approved the following placements for 2010: "Untitled Flower" at the entrance to Munn Woods; "Rising Wave" (pictured) at the new Don & Ruth Furman Aquatic Center and "Change on Your Dollar" in Country Gables Park.

Be sure to look for this year's new displays in downtown Ames and be thinking as to which sculpture would look good in YOUR neighborhood. Information on how to acquire one of the pieces is here.

Art Around The Corner 2010

2010-02-22T11:33:00.003-06:00

Approximately 16 sculptors have submitted 38 entries for the 2010 Art Around The Corner exhibits. This is more than previous years which is attributed to the increased honorarium. Several familiar sculptors have submitted entries along with many new sculptors.

The Art Around The Corner committee will select 4 sculptures to be displayed in downtown Ames from May 2010 until April 2011.

Before the exhibition period ends, Ames residents will be asked to vote for a "Best In Show."

Neighborhoods can apply to have one of the sculptures placed in their area. "Neighborhood Sculpture" applications can be found here.

Best In Show!

2010-01-08T10:30:00.004-06:00

The winners of the 2009 "Best in Show" contest as part of the Ames "Art Around The Corner" program have been announced:

1. Untitled Flower
2. Rising Wave
3. Perpetual Horizon

You can see all the entries and their locations around the city of Ames here.

"Art Around The Corner" is a yearly program sponsored by the city of Ames and the Ames Public Art Commission. Artists from around the nation are invited to submit sculptures and up to four are displayed in downtown Ames from May 2009 to April 2010. Entry deadline is February 1. For more information, go here.

Dedication at Ada Hayden - Public is Invited

2008-10-15T17:41:00.003-05:00

Patrick Dougherty to Speak at Iowa State University Tonight!

2008-10-08T09:54:00.004-05:00

Don't miss this opportunity to hear Patrick Dougherty as he presents, "Building Sculpture on Location: A Melding of Design and Community" tonight at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Room at Iowa State University. Parking is available adjacent to the MU in the parking ramp. The public is invited to attend.

Dougherty was invited to give his lecture as part of the College of Design's 30th Anniversary.

Read more:
Inside Iowa State: http://www.iastate.edu/Inside/2008/0926/dougherty.shtml

College of Design: http://www.design.iastate.edu/calendar.php?CID=937&DEPT=College+of+Design

Ames Public Art Commision: http://www.cityofames.org/pac/Patrick/default.htm

Photos! See the progress!

2008-10-06T16:42:00.005-05:00

This past weekend drew many interested visitors to the site. [Photo credits: Cathy Gersema]

Major parts of the installation are taking shape already.

Many stopped to chat and explore on their walks or jogs around the lake.

Come help when you can, as you are, whenever...

2008-10-05T16:04:00.006-05:00

This morning was beautiful, sunny, breezy and warm. The birds were chirping, and Patrick and the volunteers out at Ada Hayden accomplished a lot. Many out passing by on the trail stopped to watch, visit and ask questions about the project. A couple people even stopped to help when they found out they were welcome even without calling ahead. Several others promised to come help after checking their schedules to see when they were available.

This is the important message we want everyone in the Community to know: You're all welcome to help. You don't have to call ahead. The only reason we've asked people to call the Ames City Manager's Office is so we can have an idea of which days we still need to recruit volunteers and which days we have plenty of helpers. If you do know ahead of time when you can help, then please call 515-239-5101. If you find yourself with an hour or two and want to chip in, feel free to head out to Ada Hayden and lend a hand. We'd love to have you!

You don't have to be artistically-inclined or an artist to help. There are several projects you can do besides weaving the branches into the sculpture. One gentleman this morning watched the volunteers picking up fallen twigs and sticks for awhile, then stepped forward and announced, "I can do that! Where can I help?"

If you'd like to see which days more volunteers are especially needed, please visit: http://www.cityofames.org/pac/Patrick/volunteer-page2.htm

All we ask is for people to come, help, and enhance our community through this project.

Public Invited to Attend Lectures by Patrick Dougherty

2008-10-02T15:11:00.005-05:00

Be sure to attend these upcoming lectures by Patrick Dougherty, environmental sculptor, while he is in Ames, working at Ada Hayden Park on a large willow sculpture near the shelter house.

Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 7pm - Ames City Auditorium
"Primitive Ways in an Accelerated World"
Mingle afterwards over refreshments in the lobby and visit with Patrick.
For more information, visit: http://www.cityofames.org/pac/Patrick/default.htm

Tuesday, October 8, 2008 at 7pm - Memorial Union Great Room at Iowa State University
"Building Sculpture on Location: A Melding of Design & Community"
Parking is available in the Memorial Union parking ramp.
For more information, visit: http://www.iastate.edu/Inside/2008/0926/dougherty.shtml

If you're interested in helping with this community project at Ada Hayden, please call the Ames City Manager's Office at 515-239-5101 to volunteer.

Urgent Call for More Volunteers

2008-10-02T14:53:00.002-05:00

Patrick Dougherty is here in Ames and working at Ada Hayden Park in earnest. The installation is quickly taking shape. An urgent request is being sent to the Ames Community for more volunteers to assist Patrick. A special web page has been created showing the time slots still available: http://www.cityofames.org/pac/Patrick/volunteer-page2.htm

To reserve your timeslot and volunteer, call the Ames City Manager's Office at
(515) 239-5101.

Sapling Gathering Instructions: A Letter from Volunteer Coordinator - Mike Miller

2008-09-15T22:44:00.003-05:00

Hello all and thanks for volunteering to help cut willow saplings for the Ada Hayden project.

DIRECTIONS:
To car pool: Meet at 9:00 am in west City Hall parking lot. We will be meeting at the west parking lot next to City Hall between 8:45 and 9:00 am tomorrow morning Saturday, September 20th to car pool to the Ledges State Park which is located south of Boone. If you cannot make it to the carpool time but still wish to assist we will be on site until at least 2pm and probably 3pm.

Driving directions are as follows: From Ames: Highway 30 west to Boone. Turn left (south) at S. Story Street (4 way stop). S. Story Street transitions to 230th Street (this happens when the road turns west). 230th Street transitions to Oriole Drive (this happens when the road turns south). Stay on Oriole Road, it will enter the Ledges State Park and the cutting site is inside the park on the west side of Oriole Drive.
These are all paved roads.

ITEMS TO BRING/WEAR:
It is recommended that you bring or wear:
Loppers and/or hand pruners and/or a bow saw to cut willow saplings
Water
A lunch
Gloves
Long sleeved shirt
Long pants
Sturdy boots
Hat
Possibly a jacket or sweatshirt if cool weather

RELEASE FORMS:
We will need a release form signed and turned in for anyone wishing to assist and any minors will need the release form signed by their parents or guardian. This form can be downloaded online at:http://www.cityofames.org/PAC/Documents/VounteerWaiver.PDF Then it can be brought that morning or turned in at the City Manager Office at City Hall.
I will have some blank forms available if needed.

We will provide a medical kit for any accidents that may occur and ties to bundle the willows.

RAIN PLANS:
If it is raining at 9am . . . we will still be going to cut willows Saturday, Sept. 20, and will appreciate your assistance. We will be cutting also on Saturday September 27 meeting at the same time and place to carpool or cut willows. We need to acquire 5 truckloads of willows so it will take at least 2 Saturdays.

SCHEDULE CHANGES:
If any changes to this schedule does occurs we will notify you via email or here on the website. For any questions before Saturday please email the Ames Public Art Commission at AmesPAC@gmail.com. On Saturday, call 450-7857 with any questions about sapling gathering.

Thanks once again for your assistance. This project cannot occur without your help and if you know of someone who may like to assist please bring them along.

Michael Miller

Ames Welcomes Artist Patrick Dougherty to Ada Hayden Park

2008-09-15T22:33:00.004-05:00

This fall internationally renowned artist Patrick Dougherty and volunteers will use primitive building techniques to weave truckloads of indigenous tree saplings into an organic, free-standing sculpture inspired by the local environment in Ada Hayden Park (north of Ames, Iowa on Grand Avenue/U.S. 69). The installation will take on new shapes and characteristics every day. The public is invited to watch and participate in the construction.

Installation will begin October 1 - 3 and be completed by October 19. Except for October 4, 5 and Sundays, Mr. Dougherty will be working daily from 8 a.m. - 12 and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come by Ada Hayden to view the progress and talk with Mr. Dougherty and volunteers as they work to create this one of a kind work.

Schedule:
Sept 13, 20, and 27 - Volunteers harvest saplings
Sept 28 - Meet the sculptor, Patrick Dougherty, at the Octagon
Arts Festival
Sept 29-Oct 1 -Dougherty prepares the Ada Hayden site and trains
volunteer assistants
Oct 5-19 - Artist constructs sculpture in Ada Hayden Park

Lectures:
Oct 4 at 7pm, “Primitive Ways in an Accelerated World” - Ames City Hall Auditorium, 515 Clark Avenue
Oct 8 at 7pm, “Building Sculpture on Location: A Melding of Design & Community” - NEW LOCATION! Memorial Union Great Room at Iowa State University. Sponsored by the College of Design, ISU.
Visit http://www.cityofames.org/PAC/Patrick for updates and to learn when two on-site lectures will occur.

Dedication:
Oct 16 at 6pm, Ada Hayden Park

Would you like to help? Volunteers are needed to help gather saplings on Sept. 20 and 27. Light-duty helpers are also invited to assist Dougherty during the installation construction. To sign up, call 515-239-5101 or send your contact information and area of interest in helping to:
City of Ames Public Art Commission, Box 811, Ames, IA 50010.

For more information including a continually updated schedule of events, including public lectures and dedication, or to volunteer, visit the Ames Public Art Commission website at http://www.cityofames.org/PAC/Patrick.