Artist presents new proposal for City Hall art project

COLUMBIA — The public can look at New Mexico artist Howard Meehan’s revised proposal for a work to be included in the renovation of City Hall at the city’s Web site.

Citizen comments received before Feb. 15 will be considered by the Standing Committee on Public Art. After the public comment period, the committee will consider the proposal and pass on its recommendation to the Commission on Cultural Affairs. The City Council has the final say-so.

The new design, “Keys to the City,” features a 16- to 19-foot “keyhole” structure made of 2-inch square steel framing and 3/8-inch laminated glass. To make it more visible at night, lighting will be stubbed in the sculpture. Images such as pictures, quotations and text that represent the spirit and history of the community will be embedded in the keyhole.

Two flanking sculptures will represent steel keys on rings. These keys will be 12 feet tall and made of rusted steel. Ground lighting will illuminate the two flanking pieces at night.

Meehan’s previous proposal was rejected, in part because it resembled work he’s done for other cities.

To access the proposal visit gocolumbiamo.com, click on “parks, recreation, & the arts” in the left-hand menu. Choose “office of cultural affairs”, and click on the link under “public comment opportunity.”