“AnnArbor.com: Based on a conversation you and I had before, I know you believe Ann Arbor residents should be very proud to have a work by Herbert Dreiseitl in their community. Remind me why you think that is and why we should feel that way.”

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You would think being such a hack and spewing this candy coated PR would be embarrassing. Apparently not.

As a second check, Google ‘Dreiseitle sculpture –Ann Arbor’ and see how many other sculptures by Mr. Dreiseitle you can find. My statement that Mr. Dreiseitle is known as a landscape architect, not as a sculptor is well documented on the web if you are willing to look at more than Mr. Dreiseitle’s own site.

I work and care for my family, and cannot take off work for a 4:30 afternoon meeting. I have emailed and called Mr. Seagraves with no response. I have emailed and called my first ward reps, one of which responded, (guess which one) and told me that I might not hear back from anyone, as “they are pretty busy”. I was not aware that there was an oversight administrator, I guess I will try that route. All I am trying to do is stay informed, and not miss any deadlines for RFPs, so that myself and other qualified local artists have a fair shot of getting some local work.

As far as this project goes, believe me, if Mr. Dreiseitl lived in the area this fountain would be working. It’s unfinished state is shameful, and challenges his apparent reputation as a professional artist. He needs to take personal responsibility for the successful completion of his project, of course that very thing is sorely lacking in this city.

I think Mr. Cahill’s suggestion of naming the fountain is a good one. Might I suggest “The Hieftje”, which would serve the dual purpose of satisfying the mayor’s ego which I believe is behind much of the excessive building spending by council; and forever linking his name with that same excessive spending.

With imported German bottled water perhaps? Seems to be the only remaining piece lacking in the comedy of incompetence.

On a personal level, Dreiseitl said water connects to spirituality and humanity. He discussed how tears can convey different emotions – joy or pain – and how water helps people “to relax and be open.”

Since his sculpture would also be near the court and police station, Dreiseitl said it would help people put their individual problems in perspective.

“What happens to this entrance here?” Dreiseitl said. “People come with different expectations. The city hall is something bringing the community together. Also, very personal decisions are done at the court.”

Seeing the sculpture and watching the water will hopefully remind them of something larger than they are, Dreiseitl said. As his PowerPoint stated, “Water and rain are beautiful symbols that connect us to the world outside ourselves.”

From a technical point of view, I am shocked. Our rainfall is a matter of public record and when one designs anything they factor for contingencies. So if this is a mistake in calculating either the amount of rainfall, or the evaporation within the system, or whatever, it is a design mistake.

I also cannot help but to reflect on the above with respect to a fountain; if it is actually dry by design. If “water connects to spirituality and humanity” what connections are to be made with a dry fountain; except frustration and despair.