Public Art and Emotion

Thoughts: I just don't know if there's ONE piece that represents Allen. In Loveland CO, there is a park, Benson Sculpture Garden, where people stroll along a path of 15+ sculptures. What a wonderful way to display art and make memories. Now, each sculpture may not affect people the same way, and that's ok. In Cleveland, Wade Park with statues, a "lagoon" and is surrounded by museums, beautiful trees, and open trails to walk. (I envision this area could be near the library) After visiting SLC, I found the downtown area is filled with sculptures of familes, sports, history.

Hope, joy, peace.

I’d want the art to evoke some feeling of beauty, perhaps curiosity and imagination, and significance perhaps coming from size, and pleasure at each viewing. I don’t need any expression of history or any theme that attempts to reflect Allen.

For me Allen represents family, community, education and safety. These are the values that define allen to me.

As an anniversary piece, it should reflect the history of Allen as well as its present and future. As many have already mentioned, Allen still feels very much like a small hometown with a strong sense of community. Community should be inclusive and welcoming. The piece should reflect this and should also show the diversity in Allen.

The emotion I would like to feel is "Proud" - When I hear of how Allen was shaped by the many people who loved the town and helped it become what it is today, I can feel how proud they were to put their time and energy into Allen.

Want the art to represent history of the city and what the city stands for, safe space for residents , parks , library etc , Something that shows exploration, creative and peace that comes with living here

I want the viewer to engage and connect with the art, to understand the story it's telling because it's also thier story. It makes them feel familiar, nostalgic, grateful, blessed, safe and hopeful for their future due to the firm foundation and love they experienced here in Allen

Pride in the community from the roots formed by the pioneers to today.

The art should have images of the past, current and future. Not abstract in any way.