Pinedale Gateway Project moves forward
by Pinedale Fine Arts Council
April 21, 2015
The Pinedale Fine Arts Council’s recent public survey on the Gateway project received 303 responses, 80% were for the project moving forward, with the majority choosing the trout/eagle combination. In|Site:Ex|Site Public Art Program and Main Street Pinedale (The selection committee) were very pleased with the number of responses, and the thoughtful comments provided. The survey results are available to the public on the PFAC website.
The selection committee was looking for a design showcasing some aspect of Pinedale that was cohesive with the way-finding and visitor center signs, the tourism branding campaign, combined art and signage, and was as maintenance free as possible. Pinedale is very fortunate to have so many assets it is difficult to agree on which single thing it should be, and maybe the answer is, it shouldn’t.
The committee liked the theme of wildlife as it is so abundant here, and you can go any number of directions with it. However, the committee ruled out big game because it was too expensive particularly for bronze (double the budget). Secondly, they wanted to set Pinedale apart from our neighboring towns which already have big game monuments. The committee preferred metal as a material not only for its lack of maintenance but also as a nod to the local gas industry, which combines old Pinedale and new Pinedale. This project is funded by State Grants earmarked for specific types of projects. The Tourism grant is specifically for signage, while the Main Street grant was specifically for a physical beautification project. Pinedale could only utilize the money for that, it could not be put towards something else (i.e. infrastructure). The committee encouraged local artists to apply and would have loved to support local talent. A local artist was selected as a semi-finalist, but withdrew because the size and scope of the project was too large.
The committee initially selected Don’s concept for its simplicity, asthe design was well balanced with a triangle that could be representative of many things; mountains, trees, gas derricks, tipi’s etc. Based on prior public comment the artist modified the design to look less like an A, and more literal like mountain, so it was easier to understand at face value.
The project is expected to be installed in Fall 2015.
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