The City of Palm Springs has revealed plans for a new public art project, set to be unveiled on World Art Day 2024. The initiative, dubbed "Pillars of Palm Springs," is the most significant project commissioned by the City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission to date.
In a press release issued by the City of Palm Springs, it was disclosed that the project would involve the installation of six pillars along Tahquitz Canyon Way, specifically between Sunrise Way and El Cielo Road. These pillars are intended to replace "The Art Of Taming Horses," an existing installation by artist Christopher Myers.
The press release from the City of Palm Springs further detailed that each pillar would be designed by a different artist and would symbolize one of six themes reflecting the city's character: creativity, serenity, diversity, civility, community, and equality. Additionally, each pillar will feature a QR code linking viewers to more information about both the artwork and its creator. The unveiling is scheduled for April 15, 2024 - World Art Day.
According to another segment in the press release from the City of Palms Springs, applications for participation in this project were accepted starting June 2023. The commission reviewed 87 applications from 57 bidders; among these bidders, 39% were local artists. Six artists were selected eventually; four out of these reside in the Greater Palm Springs area. The chosen artists include Roger Reutimann (Creativity), Anne Faith Nicholls (Serenity), Bernard Stanley Hoyes (Diversity), Jessup + Cooning (Civility), MIDABI (Community) and Scott Froschauer (Equality).
Armstrong, chair of the Public Arts Commission, stated in the release: "These six winning designs, chosen for their bold artistry and alignment with our community's core principles, not only exemplify each of these equities but, collectively, they form a visual tapestry that reinforces the seventh and overarching pillar of Palm Springs that we call Identity."