Public Art
The following installations were commissioned by the Library as an integral part of the building’s architecture and interior design.
 Carved Wood PanelsChristine Borden, Steamboat Springs, CO The carved wood panels above the bookshelves in the local history room and on the main level were created on a Mac computer using Adobe Illustrator and then laser-cut into cherry veneer. On the main floor, the design was inspired by a quote from Shakespeare that celebrates the power of the printed word to bring meaning to the reader and Rumi’s invitation to “drink your fill”. The use of international scripts highlights the beauty and commonality of language across cultures. The local history room features a Ute Indian poem with an abstracted illustration of the Yampa River as it flows through Steamboat Springs. |
Bike Racks When designing the bike racks, Oar’s thoughts meditated on the written word and the common bond all of humanity shares through word and language. This design had to be carefully planned, taking into consideration design, safety, ease of use and practical function. Christopher Oar is a student of the world, studying at The Genoa School of Furniture Design, apprenticing at Dale Chihuly’s Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle, training with German blacksmiths in New York, working with fine jewelry artisans in Florence and traveling throughout Italy, New Zealand and Thailand. |
You Are Here The idea for the topographic design originated from the sense of place the Library has within our community. Topographical maps are an important type of imagery for people living in the region. Kaspari developed the idea of a map that would relate visually with the interior architectural plan and would also serve as a metaphor for libraries and how they enable us to navigate a world of ideas. The two compass rose designs serve as points of interest at the two library entrances and, through their decorative characteristics, refer to the history of Steamboat Springs. Kaspari has completed numerous public art commissions across the country, both as a solo artist and as a part of collaborative teams. |
Community Table and Chairs Dovetail Designs worked closely with the Library Public Art Committee to create a piece that was beautiful, timeless, functional and comfortable. The tabletop is made of 5 pieces of reclaimed old growth wormy maple; the center runner is a 1” thick panel of EcoResin, made up of 40% recycled materials embedded with small river rocks. The base is constructed out of building material called Parallam. Parallam beams are formed by taking the whole tree and shredding it, then gluing it together. The chair is a derivation of Dovetail’s signature ladder back style. Both pieces feature mortise and tendon joinery throughout. Green materials, non-toxic finishes, and superior design combine to create a grand reading table and chairs. Mike Roach and Craig Rench have more than 15 years combined experience with handcrafting furniture and fine woodwork. www.dovetailfurnituredesign.com |
Cottonwood Wind This window features a dynamic balance between the order of the grid, and the random more abstract design elements, inspired by the leaves of the local Cottonwood trees, and the wind, which are rendered in thin graceful lines, creating a subtle balance between order and chaos. The window has an inherent meditative quality, partly from this duality, as well as from the visual distortion and effects provided by the palette of European hand blown glass. Arthur Stern is an internationally known glass artist, widely published, and has earned numerous awards, including several from the American Institute of Architects. www.arthurstern.com Cottonwood Wind is given in loving memory of Carol McCabe Defenbau (1949 – 2008) by her family and friends. |
