Merriam Community Center Public Art Curation

City of Merriam, Kansas

WHY

City of Merriam voters approved a bond initiative to build a new community center. This new facility was to replace an aging aquatic and community center and feature a variety of amenities, including indoor and outdoor aquatics, fitness and recreation areas, and community gathering space. A key feature of the building design was an outdoor plaza that connected the community center, a parking structure, and a future library. The city formed an advisory panel to select an artist to create public art for the plaza.

HOW

Designing Local developed a process for selecting an artist; the RFQ was received more than 120 responses. The artist advisory panel selected 6 finalists, then unanimously chose Blessing Hancock to design and fabricate the community center’s artwork. Designing Local liaised between the city and Blessing during the fabrication stage.

WHAT

Blessing’s artwork was installed in December 2020.