Quesnell Bridge/Whitemud Freeway Art Proposal by Panache

We are really excited to share our ideas for this public art project with you. Let us know what you think.

PROPOSAL ONE

Panache proposes to install “upcycled” glass panels and tile inside the ring-shaped retaining walls along the Whitemud freeway. Upcycling will involve taking over 16,000 square feet of glass that would otherwise be trash and using it to create beautiful and tasteful public art. Subdued glass with muted colours that can blend with the forms of the walls, the slope of the hillside and still be appreciated by passing drivers is what we strive for. Panache is interested in presenting glass in colours reminiscent of the golden hues of the river valley during fall. We are thinking of two approaches: tiles would be made in 12”x12” format that form a ‘pixelated’ image; or, large panels 3 feet wide and varying in height will have flat colours in a similar palette range. The colours involved will be formulated to not be too variable as to be distracting for drivers.

Can you imagine!?

Here are some "mock-ups" made on Google SketchUp

Some examples of our pixelated art images

And thats just the first idea. Can you imagine a sculpture of a bee's hive made out of upcycled glass? We can, and we want to make a giant version to go inside the offramp circle at Fox Drive.

(images coming soon!)