NHS Public Art Project

(updated Mar 13, 2006)

Goals

The overall goal of the NHS Public Art Project is to install a high-quality work of art in the lobby of the new NHS. 

Other goals include:

•          Creating a new course at NHS for teaching public art

•          Involving students, staff, and community in the selection of the design and the installation of the artwork

•          Raising awareness of public art in Needham

Project Summary

There is very little public art in Needham, but each new building brings an opportunity to define a space for public art.  This project is for a public art installation in the lobby of the new NHS, but we are also planting a seed to make public art a part of every building project in Needham.  Although students will be involved in the process, the product will be under the control of a professional artist.

The lobby of the new NHS will have entrances from both the Webster St and Highland Ave sides.  The lobby will connect the new wing with the existing wing.  The lobby will include a ground floor level and two bridges on the second and third floors.  The atrium area is the full 3 stories high.  A suspended sculpture in the atrium could therefore be viewed from below, above, and from the side, but would not impede foot traffic.  (See sketches for more details).

This project will also include a very strong curriculum connection.  The NHS art department will develop a new course integrating this art project.  The new ‘public art’ course will involve the artist whose design is selected as an artist-in-residence, but the course will also focus on general issues of public art, history and impact of public art, and producing public art.  The course will continue after the installation is completed, and will build on the experience and possibly expand to other areas of the building.

General Principles of the Project

•         Private funding

•         No impact on building project or schedule

•         Curriculum connection

•         Student/community involvement

•         First-class product: kid-proof, low-maintenance

•         Perpetuate concept of public art in Needham

•         Wait for artist for the design

•         Open to any range of media and any use of lobby area

Opportunities

•         Continue trend to include public art with new buildings

•         Bring students into the process

•         Express a message of welcome and learning

•         Begin a long-term curriculum enhancement

•         Involve community; get public excited about buildings

Progress and Timeline

Progress to date is listed below along with the overall timeline.  Progress is dependent on the ability to raise funds through grants and donations.

Timeline (by school year)
2005-2006	Design Competition
	Develop public art course
2006-2007	Fall: Highland Avenue lobby entrance opens, lobby complete
	Select artist and design
	Plan public art course
2007-2008	Public Art course
	Artist-in-residence
	Complete design, plans, etc
Fall 2008	Installation complete

Summary of Phase I, Design Competition

Needham High School is being expanded and renovated to improve classrooms, modernize systems, and accommodate more students.  The lobby area has been identified as an ideal location for public art.  The lobby will be open, central, vibrant, and visible.  The sponsors of this project – a committee of community members and high school art staff– plan to commission an original artwork to celebrate the collective spirit and core values of the high school community. 

The sponsors seek an artist interested in:

1)      Creating a commissioned artwork for the lobby of the new school; and

2)      Involving the high school community in a dialogue about public art which may include but is not limited to an artist-in-residence model, participation in a planned public art class for students, and/or a creative process which includes participation by the Needham High School students and community.

A design competition is underway to select three finalists, who will each receive $1,000 to work with school and community groups to develop and present preliminary and final designs.  Proposals are due March 15, 2006, and finalists will be meeting with school, staff, and community groups throughout the spring.  The artist and design will be selected in the fall of 2006. 

The Design Competition is funded by the Needham Education  Foundation

For more information nhsart@comcast.net