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EXHIBIT "Bi"
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<br />Artist Statement of Interest
<br />[dear Selection Committee-.
<br />Throughout my carer, I have oNplored how art in public spaces can inspire and sareng,thon bonds between
<br />individuals, communities, and their surroundings. I draw my inspiration from the natural and human themes of a site,
<br />with an aim to create experiences of conte:mplution, curiosity, wonderment, and ,joy.
<br />A native: of the Hay Area, I earned my degree in Fine Art from Rhode Island School of Design. In 2001 I established
<br />Michael Szabo Studio in San Francisco, CA. The studio creates large-scale, site -integrated works that speak to the
<br />environments they inhabit. Over the past 16 years, I have been involved in over l{_1[_1 public and private
<br />commissions—both independently as well as in conjunction with architects, public art committees, and developers.
<br />Our projects require the studio to work closely with clients and collaborators from initial concept and design to
<br />fabrication and installation,
<br />In any approach to public art, I begin by examining the context of the site and its surrounding natural, historical, and
<br />cultural elements. Once I've established the vision for a project, I tivork with my in-house team on a holistic approach
<br />to design development and lubrication. Working predominantly in stainless steel and bronze, I also employ the use of
<br />elements such Das stone, glass, water; and landscape imcgration. Tho resultina uesthelic: and material language prompt
<br />u conversation between my works and the architecture or landscape of the spaces they engage with.
<br />Recent projects include: a 30' exterior public sculpture: along the National Husine ss Parkway in Jessup, MD, a large-
<br />scale water sculpture serving as the centerpiece of a newly renovated plaza) for a Palo Alto C'altrain station, and a 3 -
<br />story hanging atrium sculpture in a ccontu nporaan, reAdoncc. The studio is currently in progress on public cart projects
<br />for die City of Eau Claire, WI and the City of Pompano Beach, FL.
<br />In 2018, my studio completed a 33' sculpture and a 50' sculptural shades structure and seating arca along a walking
<br />Vail through the Municipal CcunpleX Or the City of Wyle,TY. By exploring the parallel between Wylie's cultural
<br />identity and its native eco -region, the pieces create a visceral experience for visitors by illustrating how elegantly the
<br />deep roots cif people and place can take the lead in defining change and growth into the future. The concept for these
<br />pieces was developed through research into the natural and cultured history of the region and ongoing dialogue will)
<br />the community and city staff.
<br />I see an exciting opportunity for a similar approach to your project. Through site visits and direct dialogue with
<br />community members and project collaborators, I will build an understanding; of the site arid its surrounding natural,
<br />historical, and cultural elements to inform my concept. l believe that public art is best carried out as a collaborative
<br />process between the artist, those commissioning the avork, sand those that will he experiencing it. It is important to ane
<br />that my work curnmunic:ates something to the people who live, work, play or learn in its presence white at the saute
<br />[line drawing its meaning frorn then). In this way, I believe that public art has the potential to reveal --and also, to
<br />deepen—the link between people, their con"Initlnity, and the spaccs, they call home.
<br />Sincerely,
<br />Michael Szabo
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