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 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 designs were submitted to a panel of Siloam Springs artists , business owners , University of Arkansas
School of Art representatives , and local government representatives in late 2019 , and four final designs were chosen in early 2020 .
The sculpture fabrication was scheduled to occur during the spring 2020 semester with an early summer 2020 installation . COVID-19 safety regulations prevented students from accessing campus facilities ,
including fabrication sites , until the fall 2020 semester . Sculpture fabrication was completed at the University of Arkansas School of Art Sculpture Studio .
When you visit the charming hamlet of Siloam Springs , be sure to bring along the map included here and take a tour of the unique works of art that the city so proudly displays every day .
There are a number of small murals by artist Jason Jones depicting wildlife who inhabit Siloam Springs .
Painted rocks near the pedestrian bridge in City Park are a colorful reminder that community can come together to create impactful art pieces .
20 • SILOAM SPRINGS COMMUNITY GUIDE 2024
Storm drains have been painted throughout downtown by student volunteers to remind that drains lead to Sager Creek and affect aquatic and wildlife .