20+1 YEARS OF PUBLIC ART IN BLUE SPRINGS The Blue Springs Public Art Commission is celebrating it's 21st anniversary this year. On September 6, 2000, Mayor Greg Grounds and the City Council unanimously voted to establish the Commission with the mandate to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the community and make Blue Springs a more desirable place to live, work and locate a business. Public art helps formulate a unique identity of our City through visual appeal, ownership of valuable assets, and civic pride. Of the nearly 90 artworks that have been displayed through temporary exhibits and commissions, 60 pieces have been purchased by citizens, organizations, or businesses for permanent display. Plans were underway in 2020 to create and publish a book about the work of the Public Art Commission featuring photographs of the artworks that citizens and visitors have enjoyed over the last twenty years. The pandemic delayed the publication date, but this year, the Public Art Commission will publish “20 + 1 Years of Public Art in Blue Springs, Missouri.” The book will be available for purchase in late fall 2021 so citizens and friends of art can enjoy reviewing the work of the many professional artists who shared their talent and to admire the work of art students in our schools. The book will also serve as a fundraiser to help support the public art program. The Blue Springs Public Art Commission is grateful for community support of its mission to contribute to the cultural, social and economic well-being of our City.
BLUE SPRINGS CELEBRATES THE MISSOURI BICENTENNIAL THROUGH ART In recognition of twenty years of public art programming in Blue Springs and to celebrate the Missouri Bicentennial, the City of Blue Springs has partnered with three organizations to create a large mosaic artwork featuring two state symbols, the Missouri Bluebird on a Dogwood Tree branch. The design for the mosaic artwork was created by Lawrence Randall, retired Blue Springs art teacher and member of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission. Members of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission, Blue Springs Art League, and Blue 8
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Springs Daughters of the American Revolution are assisting in the project. The artwork is being created under the direction of Rebecca Hite, artist and owner of Creative Art Glass Studio in Oak Grove, MO. Upon completion, the mosaic will be permanently installed for public viewing in Vesper Hall Senior Center. A dedication to celebrate having a mosaic artwork that honors 20 years of public art in Blue Springs, the Missouri Bicentennial, and our state’s history is being planned. The dedication will be open for public attendance.
