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“From skywalks to artwalks”
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About this talk
From SkyWalks to ArtWalks: Turn the SkyWalks into art galleries for local artists to show and sell their work. I see art hanging inside the SkyWalks, murals on the outside, paintings on the bottoms like the Sistine Chapel, and sculpture gardens on the roofs. To start, we could wall up the glass from the outside, use existing catwalks to curate, and hang the art in the space between the new exterior wall and the glass. The outside of these new exterior walls could be used for artistic advertising, mural space, etc. The bottoms are rusty and in need of a paint job, so why not insulate and then beautify them with portraits and murals. Imagine a visitor driving/walking down 3rd street, reading a vintage fine dining mural for Zin's, noticing a larger than life spoon with a cherry on top of the SkyWalk (as an example, based on Minneapolis' Sculpture Garden), and as you get closer you see more paintings underneath. This will change the way we use the SkyWalks, the way we look at them, the memories people have of Cedar Rapids, and the lives of many local artists. Art can change the world.
Community Impact: I'm not sure if the SkyWalks were ever attractive; many describe them as cold corridors or pedestrian highways leading between the office and the car. Little children love them, but the novelty soon wears off - no one ever mentions them when inviting someone to Cedar Rapids. Currently they are all utility and horribly inefficient to heat and cool; lets fix both. Not only would my idea provide a canvas for local artists and a venue for them to sell their creations, but I believe it would make the SkyWalks in Cedar Rapids more efficient to maintain while turning them into a destination. The "empty" square footage in the SkyWalks could contain enough art to consume an entire weekend of exploring, both inside and out. Not only would sidewalk pedestrians be able to enjoy looking at the greener roofs with sculptures, but office workers could see them out their windows, helping them relax and forget the stress of their day. The available art space would provide a framework for many local artists to start and grow their careers. Local businesses could contract with local artists to make artistic advertising. These new SkyWalks would invite visitors to discover all that we have to offer. Come to Downtown Cedar Rapids and "take an art walk" to work, to your conference, to your condo, or even just for fun!
For more:
3rd street: http://eagle.ovatn.net/home/jschnip/3rdstreet.png
3rd street bottom: http://eagle.ovatn.net/home/jschnip/3rdstreet-bottom.png
Inside: http://eagle.ovatn.net/home/jschnip/inside.png
Roof: http://eagle.ovatn.net/home/jschnip/roof.png
Bio
John was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, left for college and a career, but ultimately returned and is now a downtown Cedar Rapids loft dweller and entrepreneur. John is co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ovation Networks; President of New Bohemia Group 2011; Downtown District Board Member; Downtown District Development Committee, Downtown Housing Chair; Rotarian; IQuest Innovation Advisory Council; Iowa DOT Passenger Rail Advisory Committee; Policy Board Member of the Corridor MPO. In his "free" time, he is an avid boater/wake-boarder who loves to travel with his wife, Michelle. He is an advocate for the arts, innovation, the environment, historical preservation, and forward thinking.
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2 Responses to From skywalks to artwalks
I take the skywalks all the time to get around downtown, especially during winter. I could relate to this one very well. Others were good, too, though.
This is the coolest idea. And I wonder if we could combine some of Mr. Chehak’s ideas and have artwork transferred to the mesh applique that you can get relatively inexpensively.
Good job John – very funny, and feasible!