From the City of Sugar Land:
Sugar Land City Council recently celebrated the completion of artwork on Brooks Street bridge that continues to expand the city’s commitment to public art.
According to artist Katy Antill, her mural called “Natural Rhythm” is meant to evoke a sense of universal life, while grounding the viewer into the immediate, surrounding community. The larger mural on the east wall depicts a scene of sky, water and earth. Colorful hand-cut tile and mirror accent the natural elements appearing throughout the piece.
Native birds, such as the Mockingbird, Cardinal, American White Ibis and Yellow Crowned Night Heron all make an appearance along with Muscovy Ducks, a Red-eared Slider and a Monarch butterfly amongst the native Purple ConeFlowers and Black-eyed Susans.
The west wall serves somewhat as an accent to the main piece with additional native species.
“This public art project represents the continued implementation of our Public Art Program,” said Cultural Arts Manager Suzanne Gray. “It not only enhances the beauty of Sugar Land, but it builds our reputation as an art and cultural destination. It’s our goal to create memorable, meaningful places that are focal points for our community and enhance the appearance of our public facilities.”
The city’s first Public Art Plan was approved by City Council on Dec. 20, 2016. The plan was part of a community-engagement effort that included an online survey, round table discussions, community presentations, stakeholder meetings and a town hall presentation. The plan was developed to reflect the community’s vision.
Funding for the $59,500 Brooks Street Bridge project — including the design, artwork fabrication and complete installation expenses – was approved by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation with restricted sales tax revenue that may only be used to promote, assist and enhance economic development activities and quality of life opportunities within the city. No general fund property tax dollars were used for the project.
“Our Public Art Plan is designed to support our community on several levels such as helping businesses attract more customers, provide work for local artists and beautify our city for residents and visitors,” said Gray. “People don’t always think of the arts as an impact economic driver, but it is.”
Read more about Sugar Land’s Public Art Plan at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/PublicArt.
