IBJ reporter Jennifer Whitson takes over the blog today with a sneak peek at some of the work planned for the Indianapolis
Museum of Art's backyard.
Today, the IMA is releasing preliminary renderings for three of the eight inaugural artworks slated for its $25 million Virginia B. Fairbank’s Art & Nature Park. All commissions for the park will be original work and temporary, displayed for anywhere from one to 10 years.
Park Director Lisa Freiman said artists visited the 100-acre park, sometimes repeatedly, for inspiration. “We’re asking artists at all stages of their careers to investigate the relationship to the natural world,” Freiman said, adding that these are “works that are completely unique and in response specifically to this place.”
To read more about the park, check out this weekend's IBJ. (You know, the print edition.) For the die-hards out there, click here for additional images and more about the artists. And, of course, we look forward to reading your thoughts posted below.
Today, the IMA is releasing preliminary renderings for three of the eight inaugural artworks slated for its $25 million Virginia B. Fairbank’s Art & Nature Park. All commissions for the park will be original work and temporary, displayed for anywhere from one to 10 years.
Park Director Lisa Freiman said artists visited the 100-acre park, sometimes repeatedly, for inspiration. “We’re asking artists at all stages of their careers to investigate the relationship to the natural world,” Freiman said, adding that these are “works that are completely unique and in response specifically to this place.”
To read more about the park, check out this weekend's IBJ. (You know, the print edition.) For the die-hards out there, click here for additional images and more about the artists. And, of course, we look forward to reading your thoughts posted below.
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I'm not sure if Penrod would be a good fit down there. It has gotten to just be too big.
The IMA had a home run of an idea for the Art and Nature Park, then they radically rethought the idea, eliminating the bridge that was the centerpiece of the project, and going with temporary installations. I don’t see either of these as a positive and they’ve yet to articulate a replacement vision at all, much less anything compelling. I’m afraid this appears to be on the surface an example of a “what might have been” type of project.
I’m happy to be corrected, but that’s what I see: a radically altered design lacking in vision versus what was originally a home run concept.
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park Public Forum
Thursday, June 19 / 7:30 pm
Deer Zink Pavilion
Join IMA Director and key staff members for a presentation of the latest plans for the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park on June 19 at 7:30 pm in the Deer Zink Pavilion at the IMA.
Maxwell L. Anderson, the Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO of the IMA, will welcome the audience and give an overview of the vision for the Park.
Mark Zelonis, the Ruth Lilly Deputy Director of Environmental and Historic Preservation, will present an overview of the nature found at the site.
Lisa D. Freiman, senior curator of contemporary art and director of the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, will present an overview of the artist projects and the visitor center.
Following these brief presentations, those present will have the chance to ask questions of key players about plans for the park. Special guests will include representatives from neighborhood groups and representatives from environmental organizations.