"Our Big Back Yard Project"
LACUNA

Now that the City has officially moved their offices to 1201  – 7th Street South, St. Cloud (the former site of Tech High School), they were interested in gathering ideas from people that live and work in the Lake George neighborhood about additional improvements (permanent or temporary) just outside the building (reference blue areas on the map).

I am a public artist that works in communities to help tell their unique story in artful ways (link to my story). Each project I complete is given a unique name that reminds me of the role the work plays in the community. For the “Big Back Yard Project” it is “Lacuna” –  defined as a gap or unfilled space. Keep reading to learn more about how you can share ideas to help us fill in the gaps and enhance these public spaces (more images below).

There are two phases to the project: 

1. Gather input from the community to share with local leaders, funders and future volunteers.
2. Creatively display these thoughts and ideas in a meaningful way within a public space nearby.

PHASE ONE (Completed):

My question to you was…”If you considered these areas an extension of your backyard – how would you like to use this space?“

Three options to share ideas were offered (see results):

• Some community volunteers and art staff stopped by and provided a printed survey, while other surveys may be mailed.
• Drop box locations for the printed surveys were placed at City Hall and the St. Cloud Public Library beginning in September.
• Ideas could be submitted online.

PHASE TWO (Completed):

In the main entrance at City Hall this November a temporary art installation made from the responses collected before October 14th has been installed.

2023 PROJECT OVERVIEW

August:            Project Planning

September:    Gather Ideas

October:         Responses Tabulated

November:     Feedback Shared in an Artful Way:

                         Temporary Art Installation 

                         City Hall Entrance

                         Drawing for Local Pottery

If you are interested in working with an artist on a public art project, link to my blog for an outline of the five key steps to your next project (blog post).