Becky Wareing Steele

Community Hub: A Public Art Proposal for the Athmar Park Library

In 2023 I was selected as one of three finalists for a public art project for Athmar Park Library in Denver, Colorado. My intent for public artwork at the Athmar Park Library is to engage the community’s youth in the creation of a mandala inspired sculpture that takes the form of a stylized hubcap to capture the slow, meditative feel of cruising culture. A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols that is found in various spiritual traditions and can aid in the practice of meditation. The mandala serves as a vehicle for the stories of the diverse communities this library serves and also references this buildings history as a spiritual center. 

I plan to collaborate with students at the neighboring Goldrick Elementary School along with their art teacher Katie Winkleman. Through a series of workshops exploring public art and the idea of community, students will aid in the creation of the community inspired symbols that can be integrated into the final artwork. 

The final sculpture will be fabricated from two water jet cut stainless steel panels with mirror polished stainless steel sandwiched between the two layers to engage viewers and allow them to see themselves reflected in the artwork. 

The sculpture will be mounted to a circular concrete base, creating space for library patrons to sit and gather around the artwork. Each side of the sculpture will feature a different mandala inspired design that speaks to the uniqueness of this community, and each side will be painted a different vibrant color.

Thank you to Public Art Services and Mowry Studio for their guidance and input in the development of this proposal.