After revision to address ‘border wall’ similarity, proposed Bend Public Works Campus artwork designs on display

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The City of Bend, in partnership with Art in Public Places, is displaying the design renderings for the proposed concepts for two works of art for the city's Public Works Campus in two locations, after a pause for a revision due to one piece's similarity to the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The art designs include a large-scale Sculptural Wall to be installed along Cooley Road and a smaller-scale Campus Entry Sculpture to be installed on Talus Place.

The public input display was postponed a few weeks ago due to a concerns from the Selection Committee that one of the design concepts had similarities to the border wall. This was not the intent or the inspiration of the artist, officials said.

Both artists were given the opportunity to revise their proposed designs. The new concept designs will be on display for public input at the Larkspur Community Center and at the downtown Bend Deschutes Public Library from Friday through Sept.. 

The two finalists are Patrick Marold from Nederland, Colorado and Aaron T. Stephan from Portland, Maine. The design renderings of the two works of art are proposed for the sculptural wall and the campus entry sculpture connecting the entrance and exit locations on the campus with their designs.

The Sculptural Wall along Cooley Road will run approximately 250 feet along the south end of the campus, serving as an art wall to be enjoyed while driving, biking or walking by while at the same time screening the public works equipment and activities within the campus. The buildings throughout the Public Works Campus are clad in weathering steel that will change to a deep rust over time. 

The Campus Entry Sculpture will be installed at the main entrance to the campus near a monument sign and seen by visitors and staff entering the Public Works campus. The two works of art will relate to one another and be a continuous idea, sharing materials and inspiration.

Artists could be inspired by the type of work undertaken by Public Works departments, the materials used on the exterior facade of the various buildings and the natural environment in Central Oregon. The work of art can be abstract, integrative or change based on where it is viewed.

Community members of all ages are invited to review and provide input on the two finalists’ design renderings from the artists selected by representatives from the City of Bend, Bend City Council, Art in Public Places, Hennebery Eddy Architects and local community members.

“We are so pleased to be assisting the City of Bend with the art selection for the Sculptural Wall and Campus Entry Sculpture,” said Romy Mortensen with Art in Public Places. “The new campus will be a vibrant and active area for all Public Works employees and the visiting public.  The two finalists have worked hard to provide creative concepts that showcase their talents.”

The concept selected will be refined and the final two works of art will be included in the public art collection owned by the City of Bend. The selected artist will work with the City of Bend and the Design and Construction team to complete the two works of art in time for the opening of the building in the winter of 2025. 

Art in Public Places (AiPP) has created a page on its website offering the community the opportunity to contribute their public input online as well. The City of Bend and Art in Public Places welcome public comments online. Images of the two designs can be found at: artinpublicplaces.org/sculptural-wall-public-input/.