Hastings First Public Art Piece Revealed
City of Hastings Press Release:
On Wednesday, June 29, 2016, the first piece of work commissioned by the Hastings Public Arts Task Force will be revealed. Located in a designated art plaza in the parking lot for the newly remodeled Levee Park, this quaint square includes benches for viewing the new sculpture and the Mississippi river.
The piece, Nascent, was designed by St. Cloud, Minnesota-based artist, Willicey Tynes. Tynes, an award-winning sculptor and painter, applied for the grant during the open call for public art. Nascent, meaning “to be born”, gives nod to the history of Hastings, depicting many features such as the famous and unique Spiral Bridge; the dome of City Hall, which is the second oldest courthouse in the state; and a water wheel and waterfall that once powered the local flour mill. Three birds round out the natural elements on the sculpture and give a nod to the natural richness of the area and the fact that Hastings was recently designated as the first official Bird City Minnesota.
Tynes piece was chosen by a voluntary task force of local community members with an interest in the arts. His previous work includes painting, sculpture, and an impressive underwater sculpture garden installed in the Bahamas. You can learn more about the artist at www.tynesart.com.
The Public Arts grant task force will host another Call for Public Art to choose an additional permanent piece for installation in 2017.
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