Park Group Briefed on River Art Walk Proposal

Margaret Parker of the Ann Arbor public art commission (AAPAC) made a presentation on potential art projects along the Huron River during the Oct. 18, 2011 meeting of the city’s park advisory commission (PAC). [.pdf of River Art Walk proposal] The proposal had been discussed in detail at the art commission’s Aug. 24, 2011 meeting.

Parker told PAC members that two locations have been identified for possible public art along the river: (1) at Gallup Park, in conjunction with planned improvements to the canoe livery; (2) at the Argo Dam canoe bypass, which is currently under construction. A broader project for art along a much longer stretch of the river could also be developed in connection with the RiverUp! project, she said. RiverUp! is an effort to shore up the ecological health and recreational infrastructure of the Huron River and to strengthen the economies of river communities like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. PAC had been briefed about RiverUp! at its July 19, 2011 meeting. RiverUp! is being administered by the Huron River Watershed Council, and the group’s executive director, Laura Rubin, attended PAC’s meeting to speak in support of public art along the river.

Park commissioners expressed interest in working with the public art commission to set up a task force and explore the possibility of art in parkland by the Huron River.

This brief was filed from the city council chambers at city hall, located at 301 E. Huron St. A more detailed report will follow.