World-Herald editorial: Right art vision in the Bluffs

The topic of “public art” in Council Bluffs is suddenly drawing local attention because of the new Albert Paley installation at the 24th Street exit of Interstate 80. Disputes over the Paley creation needn’t distract from the big picture:

Council Bluffs commendably has put in place an impressive citywide incorporation of public art. Indeed, the community is already graced by dozens of pieces, and there are plans to put in dozens more.

Paley is an internationally renown sculptor, and this is his largest piece to date.

The brouhaha over his metal construction, “Odyssey,” mounted on four pilasters on the corners of the bridge, will probably be short-lived. Unusual art — and the Paley works are that — often draws criticism at first.

But the hum of debate shouldn’t distract from the fine job that Council Bluffs officials, the Iowa West Foundation (which is underwriting many of the art pieces) and Iowa West Public Art are doing. “Odyssey” is far from the first piece of public art the foundation has sponsored.

In 2004, noted Todd Graham, head of the foundation, his group and city officials began work on a public art master plan for the entire city. A steering committee identified more than 50 potential sites, though Graham said it’s unlikely so many will materialize. Bluffs officials want the community to become widely known for the quality and quantity of its public art.

The Bluffs City Council adopted the plan, and work began on the restoration of the community’s heart, historic Bayless Park. The park’s fountain had just failed, conveniently, and a new one, called “Wellspring,” was commissioned and installed.

Designers also reworked the park’s paths, its benches and play equipment — several large bronze black squirrels are popular with the kids — and by 2007, the city had a downtown park to be proud of. It’s a stellar example of community vision.

That was the first project. The second involved several whimsical eight-foot-tall bronze rabbits’ heads, created by Deborah Masuoka, in the historic Haymarket district. The patina on the sculptures is remarkable.

Paley’s piece is the eighth. Others are on the fire, including an installation by artist Ed Carpenter of Portland, Ore., to be located at the apex of the new west Broadway bridge, now being rebuilt.

Actually, the bridge itself is an artistic whole — Carpenter participated in its design, including lighting and railings.

The city and foundation also plan several artworks to set off the new River’s Edge Park, located on the east side of the Missouri River at the end of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. That’s still a couple years in the future — the park is only now starting construction. But parks officials have said the art will be integral.

The Iowa West Foundation so far has committed about $11 million to its public art effort. It also has invested about $250 million in the Bluffs for economic development projects, community development and beautification, scholarships and education, as well as social issues such as homelessness and teen pregnancy.

Good art — and that includes public art — isn’t a thing. It’s an experience. It might roil the brain, stir up deep feelings or just make viewers think. Council Bluffs’ art works do that very well. The city is well on the way to its goal of public art fame.

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