by Heather Akerberg

The Encounter

Amazement and wonder fall over people’s faces as they exit Famous Dave’s near Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. They become almost awestruck as they gaze at the giant aluminum figure before them. It’s Molecule Man, one of three sculptures of its kind in the world, by artist Jonathan Brofosky. The other two sculptures are in Los Angeles and Berlin. So, now, you might be wondering, “Why Council Bluffs?”

“Quality of life is quality of place.” That’s the belief driving an ambitious public art program in Council Bluffs. Iowa West Public Art (IWPA) is an initiative of the Iowa West Foundation, a non-profit whose goal is to improve lives and strengthen communities. In 2004, the Foundation gathered a steering committee, comprised of foundation and governmental representatives and citizens, to discuss possibilities for economic development. What emerged was a public art master plan.

“The big civic improvements, such as streetscapes, landscaping and corridor improvements, that we had been doing were very well-received by the community. I asked if anyone had ever thought about public art as a compliment to that,” said Todd Graham, executive director and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation.

The foundation agreed with Graham that public art could not only change the landscape in Council Bluffs but would also enhance the lives of its citizens. With a background in urban planning, Grapham knew that creating a master plan for the city would ensure long-term vision. The committee began compiling a list of the top 50 potential sites for public art. The sites are spread throughout the city, in hopes that art becomes an integral part of daily life.

After having identified Bayliss Park in downtown Council Bluffs as their number one site, but with the plan still unfinished, the committee was faced with a decision. The old fountain in the park failed, and the city was unsure of whether they would repair it or close it all together. The committee saw this as an opportunity to partner with the city and
turn their plan into reality.

“It was kind of risky,” said Graham. “Is it smart to start off with the most important site in the city? If we fail, the program is over. We were nervous, but it ended up well.”

The selection panel, which consists of members of the community and persons with curatorial and public art expertise, then began its process to find the right artist. Starting with a pool of 15 artists, the panel soon realized that there was a clear choice: Brower Hatcher, an artist recognized as one of the best in the public art world.

“Brower was a unanimous selection,” Todd said.

Hatcher created a new fountain, Wellspring, which stands more than 30 feet tall, and Oculus, a performance pavilion, as well as new seating, landscaping and a children’s area that features six cast bronze black squirrels. Brower’s work was unveiled during the rededication of Bayliss Park in the spring of 2007.

“The best proof of its success is utilization of the park,” said Graham.

With the success of their first project under their belt, the committee then began work on the next project and the next and the next. To date, six projects are complete, two are nearing completion, and still others are in the planning stages.

Besides work by Hatcher, the public art collection includes three sculptures, Haymarket Rabbits, by Deborah Masouka on Pearl Street and three sculptures, Interstate, Circus, and Sunrise, by William King near the Mid-America Center. Currently, two additional projects are nearing completion at the Mid-America Center. One is an expansive
sculpture garden, which sits on 22,000 square feet of granite and will showcase 21 works by Omaha’s own Jun Kaneko. The other is Molecule Man, a 50-foot-tall, 33,000-pound aluminum plate sculpture by Borofsky. The next project to begin construction is four massive sculptures by artist Albert Paley, who is renowned for his abstract gateways. The
mixed metal pieces will rise 50 to 70 feet in the air from the four corners of the 24th Street Bridge, which crosses Interstate 80. This western gateway to the State of Iowa will change the interstate landscape and is sure to become a distinctive, talked-about landmark.

This innovative community-based public art program has accomplished a great deal in its first phase. The public art collection is a key element, but their efforts don’t end there. IWPA’s website offers information on each of the artists, an interactive map, photos of the collection, webcams, and resources for educators, including posters for each of the projects complete with curriculum on the back. The Iowa West Foundation has also partnered with Artspace, a Minneapolis-based non-profit, to create affordable housing for artists and their families.

This project is currently under construction in downtown Council Bluffs (www.artspace.org).

The goal is to make art part of daily life in Council Bluffs. Want to see what’s happening on the east side of the river? Visit the website at www.iowawestpublicart.org or use this mini-guide to create your own Council Bluffs art tour.

Bayliss Park and Haymarket Rabbits
Directions from Omaha: Take Dodge Street to the I-480 onramp. Follow Hwy 6 East to Council Bluffs, which turns into Broadway. Continue on Broadway until you cross the viaduct. Once over the viaduct, stay on Broadway by veering right and drive a few blocks until you reach Pearl Street. Turn right onto Pearl Street. Bayliss Park will be on your right after a few blocks. To see Haymarket Rabbits, continue on Pearl Street for a few more blocks, and the sculptures will be on your left.

Explore the area: Visit Rock Speaks Studio (open by appointment only),109 Pearl Street, to see the work of local artist Margaret LaBounty or stop by the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, 200 Pearl Street.

Get a bite to eat: Consider getting take-out and enjoying it at one of Bayliss Park’s many picnic tables, weather permitting. Try Main Street Café, a local favorite famous for their Meat Lovers Omelet, located at 102 Main Street. After viewing Haymarket Rabbits, stop by La Carreta Rosa at 622 South Main Street. They offer authentic Mexican cuisine,
including Cocktail, a traditional Mexican dish made with octopus and shrimp simmered in a tomato sauce.

Mid-America Center
Directions from Omaha: Take I-80 East into Iowa and exit onto South 24th Street. Turn left on to South 24th Street and drive over the bridge. Just past the bridge you will see King’s Interstate on the left, this is Mid-America Drive. Turn left onto Mid-America Drive and follow it until you reach Convention Center Blvd. Turn left and drive until you
reach the Convention Center. Park in the parking lot on the left, and you will be in walking distance to Sunrise and Circus, Jun Kaneko’s Sculpture Garden, and Molecule Man.

Explore the area: The Mid-America Center offers a variety of events, including public ice skating in the winter (www.midamericacenter.com). Also nearby is Horseshoe Casino and Bass Pro Shops, which has several displays of taxidermy that are worth a view even if you’re not an outdoorsman.

Get a bite to eat: If you’re looking for something extremely close, try Famous Dave’s. Other restaurants in the area include Ruby Tuesdays and Quaker Steak & Lube.