DMC Senior Serves on Urbandale Art Selection Committee

Des Moines Christian School’s mission is to equip students to impact the world for Christ. One way to do this is through community involvement. Alivia McCoy (’24) was given a unique opportunity to do just that when she became a part of a selection committee for a public art installation in Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale.  

 DMC Art Teacher Mr. Vredenburg said, “Alivia is a great choice because she has a strong and independent interest in art. Independent as in she thinks about and makes art outside of classroom instruction. She also has a genuine curiosity about different mediums and how to use them to create art.” 

The City of Urbandale is currently under contract for the construction of an ICON (Iowa Confluence Water Trails) Project at Walker Johnston Park, which includes a creek access component, as well as an outdoor classroom and reforestation area.

In an effort to include public art that would complement this project, the Urbandale Public Art Committee applied for and received a $40,000 grant from Bravo/ICON.  The City of Urbandale matched the grant, allowing the city to select an artist for an $80,000 commission to create public art for this site.

“I was super excited to be a part of this project. I got a chance to give my input and personal thoughts  and viewpoints on the various works of art,” Alivia said. “It was interesting to see everyone’s differing opinions and their reasoning behind the decisions they made. I think it's amazing that God gave us the ability and individuality to interpret our surroundings through art, and it should be something that is celebrated throughout the community.” 

Urbandale Parks and Recreation Director Jan Herke said, “This a big project for the City, and we were thrilled to have youth in our community involved in the review process for the three artist finalists.”

The Public Art Committee reviewed 31 applications and narrowed them down to the top three finalists, who were asked to provide further information and a final proposal. The three finalists presented their proposals to the selection committee Alivia served on, made up of representatives from various groups, such as local businesses, Chamber, Bravo, ICON, youth, Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, local artists, and staff.    

Mr. Vredenburg said, “I have never had students be asked for input into public art like this before. For this specific project, which involves art at a public park, I believe it was a smart idea to ask local students for their thoughts.  It is even more beneficial for art students to be involved because they get to see and hear from the artists and get a glimpse into the decision-making process of the city.”

Alivia and the other committee members spent three hours on zoom calls with the finalists to learn more about their vision and proposed piece.

“I liked all three for different reasons,” Alivia said. “My favorite was a beautiful sculpture that reflected ponds, lakes, frogs, and animals.  The second option was interactive and the third option was a lighted piece.  They represented a wide spectrum of ideas. I wanted the piece to not only be visually appealing but also something that feels comfortable to be around and in.”

The artists were challenged to inspire curiosity and a love of nature in anyone who visits. Herke said, “Our vision is to work with an artist to bring elements of sensory and interactive art to this space to further build a sense of place, community and belonging to this unique area of the park and woods.”

The Committee used the following elements to guide its selection of the final artwork: Clarity in interpreting and capturing the theme; distinctiveness and uniqueness of the artwork; composition; emotional response evoked by the artwork; overall impression; appropriateness of space and perspective with thesite location; security and stability of installation requirements; durability; safety and maintenance requirements.

Alivia said, “I think the overall emotional response is one of the most important components of the criteria. The tricky thing about that is almost all the committee members have different interpretations to each art piece. Critiquing can be very subjective, and it can be difficult to make decisions because of this. No matter what piece is chosen, it's hard to know how the community will respond to it.” 

Herke said the community was also provided an opportunity to share their preferences for their favorite artwork design from the three finalists, through the City website as well as on social media.  An exhibit was also displayed at the Urbandale library during the month of November, showing the proposals from all three artists.  In an additional effort to ensure youth were involved in the input process, all 4th graders at Valerius elementary school were also polled on their favorite design. Valerius School is located within 1,000 ft. of the project location, so the students there will be able to enjoy it as part of their school curriculum.

“I think it is super important for the community to be involved in public art,” Alivia said. “In the end, it's for the community to enjoy and having the community be a part of the decision process can make it that much more personal.” 

On January 2 the Urbandale City Council approved the Public Art Committee’s recommendation.  The piece selected is titled Journey by artist James Peterson and installation is planned in the fall of 2024. It consists of 3-4 colossal fungi to adorn the new forest path to the water's edge. Eighty nine percent of the community responses preferred this artwork.

Mr. Vredenburg said, “As an art teacher I try to get my students to do at least one project that is based on a real world need or real-life community project per semester. This is when they get to see how art and design can and does impact the world. I am appreciative to the City of Urbandale for allowing students to get involved in this process for this reason.”

Alivia is currently taking graphic design and senior art at DMC. She said, “Art is always something I have enjoyed. Right now it’s just a hobby but I am considering a career as an art curator or in art restoration. Working with the city of Urbandale was a fun experience and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of it.”

Learn more about the pieces at www.urbandale.org/PAC.