Reven Marie Swanson

You Might Recognize:

Nome Park, Aurora, “Lenticular Dreams”

Colfax & Park Avenue, “Upper Colfax Clothesline”

Lamar Station Crossing, “Dancing Sticks”

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, MOA, “Stairway to Heaven”

Loveland Visitors Center, Hwy 34, “Rolling Dancing Moon”

Public Art Average Success Rate:

For Art on Loan programs: 90%. For RFQs public sculpture: 3%.

 Rejected Project Proposal

Proposed Project Location:

Central Park Light Rail Station

Concept:

Super-sized stainless steel tree forms supporting suspended cables. On the cables are cast butterfly forms in a rainbow of color that move along the cable with the wind. The swarm of butterflies change consistently with the ever-changing weather conditions in Colorado. 

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

I put much work and thought into the proposal and was naturally disappointed. I became motivated to pursue the use of stainless steel and glass art. The rejection taught me a couple of things: Be prepared with more data and specific details about your materials as it relates to outdoor installation. Be prepared for high-pressure presentations when you walk into a small room with 25+ people. Never let them see you get nervous.

Additional Thoughts:

Creating work for the public art arena is challenging. You have to wear many hats. Being able to present and articulate well is essential. In this changing environment of diversity, do your best to know what representatives will be reviewing your proposal. Your language has to be most sensitive to many interests and groups of people.