Ed Benedict Percent for Art project

Dan Garland has been awarded the commission for art for the Ed Benedict skate plaza. Dan is a skater as well as an artist: Here is how he describes the project:

Basically, I wanted to create an installation that speaks to the interface between man and nature and point towards balance as a solution. I wanted to create something using the bold, iconic visual language that is such a part of the skate culture and give skaters something fun to skate but also pique their interest in what this giant symbol stood for. To have an element of discovery that can play out in skaters interaction with the plaza as many of them will spend so much time there.

Tread Lightly, the TL and the raindrop shape are the main components of the piece. Dan also presented some supporting ideas:

Here’s some background on the Percent for Art program from the Oregon Arts Commission website

The Percent for Art legislation, passed in 1975, guides the acquisition of Oregon’s State Art Collection which includes more than 2,500 original art works. From Astoria to Agness, Baker City to Milton-Freewater, Bend to Klamath Falls, state buildings and public spaces host permanent reminders of the breadth, variety and aesthetics of our history, environment, people, and changing concerns.

In this case as at Pier Park, the art funds from multiple public projects are being combined at one site to allow a more substantial art project to be created. Dan will be working with the skatepark contractor to build the piece.