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1% for art

1% FOR ART

THE GOLD DUST
homeWORD’s first development to include a 1% for art program was the Gold Dust. homeWORD began the Gold Dust Public Art Project by releasing a ‘call for artists’ to submit public art proposals. To further educate artists on the proposal process, homeWORD partnered with the Art Museum of Missoula to host a workshop, “How to Develop a Public Art Proposal”. A seven-member jury then reviewed 17 proposals and commissioned two Missoula artists – Jennifer Reifsneider and Kevin Corra – to install their works. The pieces have been embraced by the Gold Dust residents and Northside neighbors as innovative, breathtaking artworks and crucial elements of how the Gold Dust has become an important member of the Missoula community.

FOUNDATION (wish, belief, memory) by Jennifer Reifsneider

Jennifer Reifsneider sought to integrate conceptual contemporary artwork into the Northside neighborhood with her piece, Foundation (wish, belief, memory). She is interested in infusing her artwork with the thoughts and ideas of the community, fostering collective pride and ownership. Jennifer designed illuminated, etched glass blocks set in the sidewalk in the shape of the nearby railroad. The quotes etched into the glass blocks wishes, beliefs, and memories she collected from the Northside neighborhood members.

Unfortunately, this artwork was victim to vandalism in 2003. In an effort to reinstall the work, homeWORD has been fundraising through donor appeals and an innovative Glass for Glass Blocks project in which Missoulians subscribe to have their recyclable glass picked up by a homeWORD volunteer bicyclist. The glass is then pulverized and will be used in the concrete at our Orchard Gardens development. We hope to have the piece reinstalled by June 2005 and are currently still fundraising the remaining $1500 for the reinstallation.

OUR GLASS RECYCLERS - CYCLING FOR RECYCLING

ORANGE STREET GATE by Kevin Corra

Kevin Corra is interested in Art and Architecture, specifically how the two can be combined within the construction of public and private places. Using historic blacksmith techniques, Kevin constructed a wrought iron fence rich in elements taken from Montana’s natural landscape and the history of the Northside neighborhood. Located near the “gateway to Missoula,” the piece is highly visible and benefits the entire community. The project received extensive media attention and praise from the community.