Mary Williams

Renderings by Michael Mowry 

You Might Recognize:

"River Runs Through It" located at Confluence Park, Denver. " Tree of Wings" Philip S. Miller Park located in Castle Rock, Colorado. " Hanging Totems" located at Ketchikan, Alaska. "Tall Poles" located at Advent Health Littleton Hospital, Littleton, Colorado.

Public Art Average Success Rate:

3%

Rejected Project Proposal 

Proposed Project Location:

Chatfield Reservoir, Littleton, Colorado

Concept:

In 2019, Jeff Shoemaker, president of The Greenway Foundation, approached artist Mary Williams with the ambitious task of creating a monumental sculpture to commemorate the collaborative efforts of various organizations involved in the Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project.

The Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project (CSRP) emerged in response to the increasing demand for water in Colorado’s Front Range and northeast Colorado farms. The project aimed to expand the capacity of Chatfield Reservoir by an additional 20,600 acre-feet to address water supply needs. This required raising water levels above historical operational levels by 12 feet. Over a span of more than 20 years, CSRP participants, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Water Conservation Board, environmental groups, and engaged citizens, collaborated diligently to prepare for this significant endeavor.

Jeff's unwavering dedication to realizing this vision led him to spearhead fundraising efforts to support the creation and maintenance of the sculpture. His infectious enthusiasm inspired Mary to tirelessly conceptualize the artwork, even finding herself pondering its form in her dreams. After months of iterative design, "The Drop" emerged as the perfect embodiment of the project's significance.

"The Drop" was conceived as a split sculpture, with one half dedicated to narrating the project's story and the other half honoring its diverse participants. Its size, striking color, and divided design were intended to captivate park visitors, inviting them to approach and interact with it. A 12-foot marker on the story side emphasized the impact of the increased water level.

Mary envisioned the sculpture becoming a beloved focal point within the park, visible from the highway to the north and the lake to the south. It had the potential to serve as a prominent landmark and a destination within the park's landscape.

Despite nine months of conceptualization, design refinement, and multiple presentations, the sculpture was ultimately rejected by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The rejection centered around concerns that the sculpture was too large, too vibrant in color, and did not align with the park's aquatic theme ( wasn't a fish ).

"I Regret to Inform You..." Artist Response:

Receiving the rejection notice was heartbreaking. While this opportunity wasn't a competition between artists, it served as a valuable lesson. When an artist reaches the finalist round of a public art call, they inevitably compare concepts and may have to accept another artist's superior idea. In this instance, it was difficult to accept the reasons for rejection.

Often, creating artwork is likened to giving birth. You have a vision, a creation you're eager to share with the world. You feel the excitement of leaving your mark, only for it to vanish with the stroke of a pen.

Ultimately, an artist faces a choice: succumb to defeat or persevere in their creative journey, continuing to birth new ideas and creations.