4MR Sewage Plant Fence Art Project

[Overtone]

I bike along this fence in the dark. It would be a safety issue if the artist chooses to put up “found objects” that create bright reflections from bicycle headlamps. Does anyone know who to write to so I can recommend that the artist be constrained to non-reflective materials for the 4MR trail side.

John

http://www.arlnow.com/2014/12/17/dutch-artist-to-design-fence-for-water-pollution-plant/
http://publicart.arlingtonva.us/locations/water-pollution-control-plant-fence-enhancement/

Topic

[peterw_diy]

@KLizotte 126133 wrote:

I think a much simpler, environmentally friendly project would have been to plant some sort of flowering creeper that would eventually cover the fence,

One can never have too much honeysuckle!

[rcannon100]

@Subby 126123 wrote:

I think it’s admirable that the County takes chances like this

Yeah, cause Arlco never takes boondoggle chances.

Personally I am tired of Arlcos “chances.” The things we spend money on has reached the stupid. When I biking down 4MR, looking at brightly colored plastic attachments to a sewage treatment plant fence, yeah that kinda doesnt do it for me.

Could have spent the same money and maybe done some nice landscaping there. Maybe a nice shrubbery – things that promote that environment and obscure the treatment plant. Or could spend the money on Arlington artists doing work in Arlington.

Anything but the Dutch.

[PotomacCyclist]

Nigel Powers, is that you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ882QYzr-M

EDIT – I didn’t see that this was already posted. But it deserves a 2nd post.

[baiskeli]

@KLizotte 126133 wrote:

I’m usually a big proponent of public art but I think this one really fails miserably. Between the toy like thingees on the fence and sections of fencing that look like they were simply damaged or installed incorrectly I don’t see anything redeeming about this “art work.”

I think a much simpler, environmentally friendly project would have been to plant some sort of flowering creeper that would eventually cover the fence, hide the sewage infrastructure, and provide a natural habitat for bugs and critters. Heck they could have just planted some quick growing bamboo. Who can argue against greenery?!

Yes, greenery, but well-chosen greenery – native, non-invasive plants.

[vern]

I think it’s fun and playful, but if it cost $350K…wow.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@rcannon100 126179 wrote:

Yeah, cause Arlco never takes boondoggle chances.

Personally I am tired of Arlcos “chances.” The things we spend money on has reached the stupid.

[bobco85]

Looking at the photos (and having biked by there), I find myself liking the installation more if I look at multiple fence panels and less if I only look at one fence panel at a time. Overall I think it’s pleasant, playful, and non-obtrusive, i.e., nothing that the anyone should be offended by…

…until you look at the price for it.

From the ArlNow article https://www.arlnow.com/2015/10/14/public-art-installation-on-sewage-plant-fence-completed/:

The County Board approved the project in 2012, and $350,000 was allotted for the fence display, which included a $30,000 contingency fund. The project has stayed within that budget, Byers said

To split hairs, nothing here says that they actually used all $350,000 allotted for the project or even the $320,000 since the contingency wasn’t used, but I could reasonably assume that at least $100,000 was spent on it because they didn’t say that the project came greatly under budget, which leads to the real question everyone is asking: How does an art installation like this cost potentially $350,000? And the underlying question: How much should it cost for an art installation in this area, and are we being realistic to expect it to be cheaper?

I think seeing a cost breakdown of supplies, labor, contracts, permits, etc. would help everyone understand (even if we all think it’s still too expensive).

[kwarkentien]

@KLizotte 126133 wrote:

I’m usually a big proponent of public art but I think this one really fails miserably. Between the toy like thingees on the fence and sections of fencing that look like they were simply damaged or installed incorrectly I don’t see anything redeeming about this “art work.”

I think a much simpler, environmentally friendly project would have been to plant some sort of flowering creeper that would eventually cover the fence, hide the sewage infrastructure, and provide a natural habitat for bugs and critters. Heck they could have just planted some quick growing bamboo. Who can argue against greenery?!

You had me until you mentioned “bamboo.” It’s an invasive nuisance. Trust me, I know. My yard is full of it from the previous owner. I’ve been trying to tame it for over 22 years with no luck. Then again, if I could’ve gotten $350k for my bamboo, I would’ve been happy to donate it for this project.

[Author]

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