20 • Best of Siloam Springs Wednesday , January 29 , 2025 Siloam Springs Herald-Leader
Public Art in Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs loves public art . So much so that they have incorporated murals , sculptures , natural elements and more throughout the city to showcase pieces that reflect the Siloam Springs community .
“ I am proud of our city ’ s enthusiastic embrace of public art ,” said Siloam Springs Mayor Judy Nation . “ From vibrant murals to captivating sculpture and the integration of natural elements , we ’ ve adorned our community with diverse expressions that embody the essence of Siloam Springs .”
The Downtown Siloam Springs Public Art initiative began as a discussion in late-2018 among the volunteer members of the Downtown Improvements Committee that supports Main Street Siloam Springs . The committee ’ s official mission was : “ Improve the aesthetics , accessibility , and infrastructure of downtown in response to current and relevant connectivity and strategic plans .”
The committee wanted to promote and showcase local art in the downtown space and create opportunities for upcoming artists . A connection was made with Donna Smith Jones , the director of Recruitment
Storm drains have been painted throughout downtown by student volunteers to remind that drains lead to
Sager Creek and affect aquatic and wildlife .
and Outreach at the University of Arkansas School of Art . A seminar course was developed specifically for this project , to give sculpture students the opportunity to learn the additional design considerations needed when creating art for public spaces .
The initial seminar course took place in the fall 2019 semester , with student class time focused on learning the difference in art displayed publicly versus in an art studio , understanding contracts with government
organizations and including safety considerations into design . The student
Painted rocks near the pedestrian bridge in City Park are a colorful reminder that community can come together to create impactful art pieces .
designs were submitted to a panel of Siloam Springs artists , business owners , University
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