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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-01; Arts Commission; 01; Veterans Memorial Park Artist Concept PresentationMeeting Date: May 1, 2025 To: Arts Commission From: Krystal Roa, Program Manager Staff Contact: Krystal Roa, Program Manager krystal.roa@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5611 Subject: Veterans Memorial Park Artist Concept Presentation District: All Recommended Action Receive a presentation from artist Gordon Huether on the update for Veterans Memorial Park Public Art concepts. Executive Summary Artist Gordon Huether will provide an overview of his creative process and present the details of three conceptual renderings: “Ring”, “Spires”, and “Arch”. These designs were developed based on community input, reflecting the collective vision for the space. Community members emphasized a desire for a contemplative environment that encourages reflection and a deeper connection with nature as well as honoring our veterans. Explanation & Analysis City staff engaged the community through online surveys, focus groups, and gatherings with veteran organizations to help shape the vision for a new public art installation. This valuable input played a key role in guiding the selection of an artist who would create a meaningful and lasting tribute to those who have served our country. A national Call for Artist Qualifications was issued on Thursday, August 31, 2023, inviting artists and artist teams to submit proposals for permanent public artwork at the upper plateau of Veterans Memorial Park. The submission period closed on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. A Public Art Advisory Subcommittee was formed and convened on April 25, 2024, to review the submissions. After careful evaluation, the subcommittee selected four finalists, who presented their concepts in person on June 12, 2024. Following this process, Gordon Huether Studio was chosen to develop a site-integrated, permanent public art installation for Veterans Memorial Park. ARTS COMMISSION May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 1 of 32 Community Engagement The community is invited to provide feedback on the proposed renderings. Public comments will be accepted via email and will be considered as part of the final design approval process by the Arts Commission on August 7, 2025. Fiscal Analysis A total appropriation of $475,000 has been approved to fund permanent public art for the Veterans Memorial Park Project No. 4609. Next Steps Upon completion of the final design concept, the artist or artist team will present the proposal to the city’s Arts Commission, followed by a presentation to the City Council. Pending approval, the artist will enter a contract for the fabrication phase, and installation contract(s) will subsequently be initiated. The timing of these phases will align with the anticipated construction schedule of the park. Environmental Evaluation The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to report on the Veterans Memorial Park Public Art concepts is an organizational or administrative government activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or CEQA Guidelines. Exhibits 1.Public Input Summary 2.Design Concept Renderings provided by Gordon Huether Studios May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 2 of 32 Permanent Public Art: Veterans Memorial Park Capital Improvement Program, Project No. 4609 Public Input Summary May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 3 of 32 Exhibit 1Exhibit Veterans Memorial Park Public Art Public Input Summary August 2023 Introduction Veterans Memorial Park is set to become the city’s largest park once completed and a dedicated place to recognize and honor the na�on’s veterans, the first such loca�on in Carlsbad. As part of the development of this new park, a separate permanent public art piece will be installed at the highest point of the park on the upper plateau, following the city’s Art in Public Places guidelines. As a site- specific piece, the public art will serve as a truly special piece to honor those who have served our country. To help inform the selec�on of the ar�st who will create the public art piece, the city gathered input from local veterans, ac�ve duty military and fan in July and August 2023 to gain a deep understanding of the experience veterans would like to create through the artwork at this loca�on, so the art that is created becomes a source of pride for veterans and the en�re community. How input was gathered City staff gathered input through several focus groups and mee�ngs with veterans in North County San Diego, along with an online survey: Online survey July 17 – Aug. 22, 2023 13 par�cipants Focus groups Feedback was gathered through three focus groups (two virtual and one in-person). •July 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. – virtual focus group held via zoom with City of Carlsbad employees who are veterans, ac�ve military or family members of those who served (10 atendees) •Aug. 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. – virtual focus group held via Zoom (3 atendees) •Aug. 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. – in-person focus group at Veterans Associa�on of North County (5 atendees) Veterans group mee�ngs City staff atended two mee�ngs with the following veterans groups to gather feedback: •July 20, 2023, at 6 p.m. - Marine Corp League Detachment 21 (9 atendees) •Aug. 18, 2023, at 8 a.m. - Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Commitee (11 atendees) May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 4 of 32 How the opportuni�es were promoted Staff conducted direct outreach to veteran and military groups in North County San Diego to promote the opportuni�es to provide input for the Veterans Memorial Park public art element. This outreach was conducted via email and phone calls. In addi�on, staff conducted email outreach to city staff to offer opportuni�es to provide input as well. About this input The input was not gathered through a scien�fic survey or method. Instead, the input reflects the opinions of those who were aware of the opportunity and had the ability to par�cipate. It should be considered with a similar weight as emails sent to the City Council or public comment at a City Council mee�ng. What we asked Staff used open ended ques�ons to engage par�cipants in conversa�ons, reflect on prior experiences visi�ng memorials and public art in the country and share their expecta�ons when visi�ng a veterans memorial. Ques�ons included: •How would you honor past and future military service members through public art at the upper plateau of Veterans Memorial Park? •What type of public art places give you a sense of renewal and inspira�on? Are there places or works of art that you’ve visited that evoked a sense of remembrance and pride? Key themes summary Below is a list of key themes that emerged at each focus group. General themes: -Tell a story -Recognize all branches of the military -Portray veterans from all ages and backgrounds, including women and diversity -Include youth and future ac�ve military that will become veterans -Acknowledge families of veterans who also make a sacrifice -Reflec�ve -Interac�ve -Embraces local nature -Unique to and reflec�on of Carlsbad May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 5 of 32 All public art public input results For further reference, all public input compiled specifically for the public art component of Veterans Memorial Park is embedded below. The input is segmented by group and survey results. Aug. 18, 2023 at 8 a.m. Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Commitee mee�ng Key themes: -Accessibility -Golden hour -Include people with noncombatant jobs: nurses, doctors, etc. -Ac�ve and re�red vets need to see themselves -All wars -All branches recognized Aug. 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. In-person focus group held at Veterans Associa�on of North County Key themes: -Interac�ve -Dynamic, textures, colors -Visually appealing -Peaceful views and environment -All branches represented -Highlight the local aspect -Naming opportuni�es, a place to perpetuate the memory, like bricks -Highlight their humanity, their struggle once they return -Show veterans in rela�on to their families, the places they call home -A place for reflec�on – calming water element -A place for healing Aug. 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. Virtual focus group mee�ng via Zoom Key themes: -Through art, inspire young people to join the military. -A piece that inspires honor and respect -Use the natural environment to heal, renew -Bold -Highlight diverse cultures, backgrounds, cultural groups May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 6 of 32 -Add an educa�on center or learning elements -Include young voices -Memorialize past warriors and inspire future genera�ons to feel like they belong -Diversity -Culturally diverse, colorful, bold -Remembrance -Pride -Capture names -Serene July 20, 2023, at 6 p.m. Marine Corp League Detachment 21 mee�ng Key themes: -Serenity -Incorporate dependents, families -Golden hour is not talked about enough -Make the opening of the art on a meaningful day -Focus in all branches -Show the pain -Simple but powerful -It would be good if the ar�st was a vet. They connect with their own experience. -Visually show how many people have died (boots, bricks) -Interac�ve -Educa�onal -History -Evolu�on of military -The reason why we volunteer July 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. Virtual internal focus group with city staff via Zoom Key themes: -Create a calming experience -A place for reflec�on -Highlight Carlsbad’s unique beauty: flower fields, ocean view -Show diversity of ages, backgrounds, ethnici�es, gender -Memorialize the people who sacrificed -A marine voice -Represent all the branches -A place to connect with nature -A place for special experiences, such as commissions or re�rements May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 7 of 32 -A statue made with Legos -A place where we could reflect about Carlsbad’s history -Tell the story of Carlsbad veterans -A place that can be con�nuously updated/actualized -A place that is beau�ful and people want to go back to -Figura�ve art -A place where people can exhibit their art, in partnership with schools, etc. -A public art piece that includes movement and change Online survey, through 08/22/2023 Key themes: -Interac�ve -Culturally diverse -Water feature -A place for reflec�on -Use official seal of each branch of service -Include all branches -Peace, serenity, reflec�on -Paying tribute to all wars and military advancements, women, technology -Different missions, singularity of purpose -Include history for a learning opportunity about American history and the involvement of veterans in preserving the freedoms we enjoy today -Open space that is not intrusive -Shaded sea�ng area -A dynamic space that encourages movement between the components for a full experience -Realis�c -Evokes the senses -Males, females, family members May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 8 of 32 Public Input Results Veterans Memorial Park Public Art Table of contents I.Military Affairs Commitee focus group, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 08/18/2023 II.Veterans Associa�on of North County focus group, 08/16/2023 III.Virtual mul�-branch focus group, 08/16/2023 IV.Marine Corp League Detachment 21 focus group, 07/20 /2023 V.City staff internal focus group, 07/20/2023 VI.Online survey, through 08/22/2023 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 9 of 32 I.Military Affairs Commitee focus group, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 08/18/2023 Date 08/18/23 Group name Military Affairs Committee, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Number of participants total 11 Comments/ques�ons during the presenta�on: POW flag at the memorial site flag pole How would you honor past and future military service members through public art at the upper plateau of Veterans Memorial Park? Would the garden be accessible? Aircra�, from someone nose How will the golden hour be addressed? They show a movie, helicopter, from Vietnam, soldiers wai�ng to hear from them. Vietnam, they par�cipated in Saigon, they had different routes coming in, the embassy, each �me they would see the power line ge�ng closer and closer. Is there a main focus, like marine corps, or avia�on component, Iraq, and Afghanistan, or it will cover all of the different wars? Marines and sailors probably will be more prominent in the display, being closer to Carlsbad, besides airmen, etc. When you say art, is it one piece or several pieces? Helicopters are the mode most wounded soldiers get medical aten�on. That’s why it is so important to men�on/highlight the golden hour. It would be nice to have something that recognizes the work of nurses, these are all veterans, for everyone. You have a whole number of people, combat, doctors, nurses, they need to relate somehow to the art regardless of how they served. People will be coming to see the memorial from the heart. It is not just a park. Ac�ve duty and re�red vets need to see themselves. You have to highlight all services working together. You couldn’t do it without everybody’s work. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 10 of 32 Will there be mul�ple trails, with mul�ple stories, and then maybe coming at the main art piece? Each trail can be a branch or work in the military, but we all work together to get to the same place. Army/Navy Academy has a memorial, has it been discussed to move this piece into the park? What else you would like for us to consider regarding the public art for Veterans Memorial Park? Clarified that the park isn’t Vietnam focused. Are there any places for statues that people could pay for? May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 11 of 32 II.Veterans Associa�on of North County focus group, 08/16/2023 Date 08/16/23 Group name Veterans Association of North County Number of participants total 5 How would you honor past and future military service members through public art at the upper plateau of Veterans Memorial Park? Visually appealing, interac�ve. Airforce monument, spires, in DC comes to mind. Know instantly what branch is represented. Like the local aspect, someone from the region, history, those who died in Carlsbad as a focus. Tie to veterans of the future. Wife from Australia, small towns lots of representa�on of local service people, family oriented. Simple statue, not too large. Looking in admira�on as a child, naming of the local veterans. The mural in Vista, no one knows what it is, just colors like pinks, etc. Created by Pinamon�, statue of man killed in Vietnam reading leters, has names of those killed in ac�on. Felt moved. Interac�on, texture and color is grounding for veterans. Inclusion of shadows, shades, shows skin tones, male and female, texture, grain. Example of buterflies exhibit using texture What type of public art places give you a sense of renewal and inspira�on? Are there places or works of art that you’ve visited that evoked a sense of remembrance and pride? Rosecrans Cemetery, maximize contours of the surrounding hills. Peaceful views Landscape important. Con�nue, perpetuate the memory. Bricks and served, great loca�on at the upper plateau with the landscaping, allows for the season and changes. Book, “Heroes Lived Here”, Amy Forsythe, wrote about all the memorials, Camp Pendleton Gary, shared from a friend: I picture a combat veteran, in full gear with helmet, holding hands with wife and children, “he did the �me, now we must help him realign”. Takes a courage of a warrior to ask for help. One percent of the na�on has served in combat. No grotesque. Marine Corp Museum, Legacy Walk, sponsor bricks of people who served No par�cular place that I’ve seen as art in open, every works of art evokes a different feeling May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 12 of 32 What else you would like for us to consider regarding the public art for Veterans Memorial Park? Personal experience, have the ar�st be sensi�ve to people’s feelings, not offend anyone as they did in Seatle, upside down disassembled fighter jet, very offensive. All branches to be represented. Expand to family members, writer groups, children’s writers group, veterans, dependents, scholarships Future and present, healing your inner child, military child, looking up to itself, reflec�on as he looks back to him. Calming water element, fountain. Dignify the art through veterans. Loves the veterans involved in San Diego County, 1/3 of the community are veterans. Include veterans in the ecosystem, their family. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 13 of 32 III.Virtual mul�-branch focus group, 08/16/2023 Date 08/16/23 Group name Virtual – multi-branch focus group Number of participants total 3 How would you honor past and future military service members through public art at the upper plateau of Veterans Memorial Park? To inspire future children to join the military and keep them in. Honor where they came from and how they can bring it back. Honor & respect. From chat bar: “It would be triumphant to overcome the term diversity and embrace who America is.” Hope for a strong number of women who served before WW1, in & out of military, to be recognized. Don’t meld women into 1 group. Group diverse cultures, backgrounds, reflect cultural groups perhaps in a sculpture. Educa�on center or learning elements at the park. Diversity aspect. San Diego County region. Typical young, white male are thought of, does not represent the popula�on moving forward. Represent to show young people how and inspire them. Younger genera�on engaged. At Palomar College 6-years-ago; Culturals, past. They took an old, ugly, huge building and incorporated parts of cultures, making it big bold, and colorful. What type of public art places give you a sense of renewal and inspira�on? Are there places or works of art that you’ve visited that evoked a sense of remembrance and pride? Quan�co Museum, Virginia. Incredible. Takes you back in the moment, remember. Also, just going out in nature has beau�ful healing. Incorporate the use of nature, not art but renewal. Young voices are important, pull them in. Have classes, group mee�ngs, focus groups there. Diversity doesn’t embrace concept. Star Trek example, lots of imagina�on. Peers should be involved in Carlsbad. Loves going to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Feels emo�onal, emo�onal experience, gives renewed sense of doing the right thing. Remembrance, pride. No connec�on to those people but feeling a connec�on to them. Faces a huge open space but feels serene. Elevated, used the hill in the design. In track with the environment. Simple ligh�ng empowers, simple to captures names. Serene. Nature around. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 14 of 32 What else you would like for us to consider regarding the public art for Veterans Memorial Park? Be bold. Keep out of the box. Poli�cs aside. Serve the people. Remind that they are serving people, not government. Young people see, we need to protect our neighbors. When we started this discussion, the Vietnam Memorial Wall (Washington DC) was men�oned, people have fought for sense of hope, freedom and peace. The ar�st will be challenged and struggle to memorialize and inspire future genera�ons to feel like they belong, be a part of here. We have to get out of the mindset that a ‘vet is a vet’, we are all a people. Granddaughter says to me, thank you for your service. This tells me that she thinks I have done something posi�ve. Honor those serving. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 15 of 32 IV.Marine Corp League Detachment 21 focus group, 07/20 /2023 Date July 20, 2023 Group name Marine Corps League Detachment 21 at Veterans Association of North County Number of participants total 9 Have you seen veterans public art that really caught your aten�on? What’s not there that you’d like to see memorialized? Very simple memorial, the one in Arizona, all pillars lined up, it’s at 11 a.m. it shines through all the pillars and shows the seal on the floor. Anything on DC, Korean, Vietnam, Pearl Harbor, it’s only a bridge but very impac�ul. Mt. Soledad before the plaques, it was very serene. I’m not too keen on the plaques they place there right now. WWII museum in New Orleans, bricks memorializing veterans start from the street. They keep making more room to add more bricks. It was a nice way to dedicate something to their rela�ves who have sacrificed. Talking about the Marine Corps base, the fi�h marine regiment, different set ups for young marines who have died in combat. Someone asks if the city has looked for any sponsors. Vet suggested Tony Morso, who owned Camp Pendleton, he owned Capistrano all the way down to Oceanside. He is a big provider for the historical society, also the guy who founded Fedex was a marine captain, there is a lot on that base that can give you inspira�on. We just put up a statue of Cpt. Pendleton, 200,000 bronze statue. I’m a Vietnam vet, we weren’t well liked when we came back, we have to force people to like us again. We don’t memorialize Vietnam guys at all. Everyone always volunteered for a reason, and just with other wars, they did it for a reason and we are missing all that. We put something nice in the art but why are we doing it? What’s the reason for it? Talk about the people who volunteered, why they did it. Men and women who have fallen in combat, it was for a reason. They loved their country. I was in college and I said I’m going to Vietnam. Talega, where we had the Vietnamese refugees, the big thing is that there are a lot of things to see. Talk to the communica�ons official on base to enter the base and have a tour of those memorials. Oklahoma Bombing Memorial, the chairs, when you walk through it there is a story. If Jose was going to develop a memorial, it would be with some type of history over �me like old story military, how we’ve evolved as the military. MCRD museum – should visit. There is a hand towards Talega and talks about the refugees, you sit in it and you read it, very powerful. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 16 of 32 Marine and Army guy, I did both. I’ve seen Ft. Worth TX and I’ve seen the memorials for both branches of service, the ar�st, it would be more meaningful if the ar�st was a veteran. It is great to see somebody pouring their hearts in it. A police officer rescued a flag from 9/11. I was in NJ, was asked to open the flag at a ceremony, US Open, was going to. They gave it to me in a box. Box was made out of rubble from 9/11, I was chained to the box, it was televised, someone painted that image on the side of the building. But it was some painter, no real connec�on to it. It would be wonderful to have someone who really is going to understand, put their hearts down into the art. There was this other memorial. Every road, from every gate, there was a set of boots signifying all people who have died. There are so many boots, no names, just a huge numbers. That means more. It is a visual. An understanding. To visually see a million boots, it hits you more than to say the number. Less is more but it gives the person an understanding of how many people died. Focusing on all branches. Seals museum, they show you through the pain they go through. There is nothing to really signify the gut-wrenching pain, when I saw the boots it was painful. Somehow incorporate dependents. Because the families suffered. Agree. When I was in Iraq my family didn’t know if I was coming back. They suffered too. I would like to see talk of the golden hour. Not a lot of people know about this but it is when a marine is wounded, if he gets medical aten�on in the first hour a�er ge�ng hurt they will likely survive. In Vietnam, people looked at the sky, that was the only help they could expect. For the loca�on and the installa�on, think about veterans who can’t walk, climb stairs. Consider the handicapped. The golden hour is something that is not talked about enough. Someone talks about how now they do bike tours and boat rides in Vietnam, when there is s�ll so much ordnance and mines, s�ll buried in many places. If you are going to unveil the art or open the park, choose April 30, 2025, anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war. Visit the Vietnamese memorial on base at that �me. Something that represents veterans in their totality. Veterans since the year 1775, all the way to now. Most veterans are seniors. Something that represents veterans in all their service that made this country a great country. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 17 of 32 V.City staff internal focus group, 07/20/2023 Date July 20, 2023 Group name Internal focus group with city staff Number of participants total 10 What comes to mind as someone who has served? When you think about visi�ng a public park site? What would you like to have, or experience? Beau�ful view, with the ocean and all, how can we enhance it to be more medita�ve, a pond, a fountain. Visi�ng son in San Jose, they had a great water fountain, acres of flowers, very calming experience. One of the themes is Carlsbad, why don’t we add some flowers to show want Carlsbad represents? Sit down and reflect. I would like that. For me, hit me on the head, I visualize an open area and the flower fields, different varie�es of flowers you can walk through, some type of trail, all different types of colors, something serene and comfortable. I really, when I think about my �me, is so much community and we served as young adults and have such diversity of people, even people here right now, we come from different places, we served together, there is so much in common between us. I want to see everyone represented. Every �me people assumed my husband is the one who had served, not me as a female, I think I’d like to see that diversity represented. Maybe I was in Chula Vista veterans area, part of the military is the sacrifice and for some the ul�mate sacrifice. They had the names of people who were from the city, from Chula Vista so many who made the ul�mate sacrifice. It would be great to have that list as part of the memorial to see the names who served from Carlsbad. I think we need some marine voice. I love history, love military history, serendipity art, in Solana Beach one of the ocean walls has a dedica�on to the military, so well done, the anchor memorial somewhere but in the beach park the beach wall there are connec�ons, there is a city in OC, a litle street sign, direc�ons to Marine Corp history, etc. a litle plaque to honor all the veterans, that’s it, this is a big park with a larger theme, litle things serendipitous, I like the flowers too. Along the lines of represen�ng the different branches, my wife and I walk a lot. I saw it in Encinitas, and I also saw different statutes, something represen�ng each branch, sailor, marine, in bronze, a conglomerate of those branches somewhere it would be nice if we could add. Might not be feasible with the money available. I was thinking something at nigh�me that is lit up that shows the three branches, when you drive and you see something on the hillside, and I also like the historical approach, I also enjoy seeing the history of how these branches have come to be and what they have done. I see that in the rendi�on there is a flag pole, a representa�on of the flag, that is huge, we are serving the whole na�on, regardless of where we are around the world. I think it needs to be something special. I like other people’s sugges�ons. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 18 of 32 Following up on that, absolutely. The flag made me think many years ago, there was a lawsuit because of the flag, I would hate to see something like that happening to Carlsbad, how do we get past that? We have people who served 9, 20, 25 years, how do we sell litle plaques, raise more money to put money into the park. There was clarifica�on that fundraising was possible. Regarding diversity, to find a way to show how branches are connected, the coast guard is at the core to which the navy wraps around, I don’t think people know about this, maybe 1%, so I think it would be an educa�onal piece showing how they support each other in �mes of war. I wanted to go back to the flag and representa�on of each branch and a flag, maybe there is a way to show coast guard, marine, navy, those should be represented somehow. I wanted to share that in addi�on to the coast guard, now we have the star force, and include them as well, Edward was talking about this idea, fundraising. Are talking about that later? Can we talk about that now? If you have any P&R fundraising opportuni�es maybe we can share the informa�on. What types of places have you been to that gives you reflec�on, inspira�on and what are the elements of those places, a sense of place? I grew up in the N. East, serenity, the landscape, I love the forest, the mountains, I connect with nature most. Natural, habitats, connec�ng to what’s here and what has been here before the Spanish were here. Love the flowers, love the trees. The same thing, a lot of the answers touched on that, the water, the fountain, I was sta�oned at the Pentagon and all the monuments, Vietnam, etc. there is that serenity because there is an opportunity to reflect, to be with nature, enjoy the �me. It’s going to be used for ceremonies for someone who wishes to re�re, maybe some honor or recogni�on, something along those lines, maybe consider it, not like everyone who is coming to reflect, but also for how beau�ful it would look for a litle P&A for a moment in �me, enlis�ng, or ge�ng their commission or re�ring. How do you think this public art could reflect the iden�ty of the City of Carlsbad? Paul men�oned the statues, maybe Legoland can make them in Legos, more brainstorming. At least the pavers. History, we know there are other people before us. Any thoughts about reflec�ng our history? We have the names of the Kellys, people who have street names, Capitan Marron, Pio Pico, that might �e in that �me in history. Tell Carlsbad’s veterans stories. I visited a veterans memorial plaza in Vista, in Old Vista. There is a part of the plaza that combines water feature, memorial wall, bronze statues, and uses them in this context, they use leters of Vista residents that were sent home while people were sta�oned, the leters were transcribed into the pavement. You can read the service members’ leters writen back to their families. What Vista residents were experiencing, how they were responding. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 19 of 32 @ Legos, this park is not only for adults, but for families and children and to represent Carlsbad maybe add a Lego vibe to it, could be a playground made out to look like Legos. What else would you like us to consider as we look for an ar�st? Being a forever place, knowing that there will be more veterans, something to keep it actualized, �me- proofing it, plaques, fundraising. Something with tons of bronze statues, a place over the top. Some public art works in SD are dedicated to the US navy or other military, and sadly the larger, more conspicuous pieces are defaced. I try to think the monument aspect of it, from the maintenance point of view, the more monumental the piece the more people mess with it. I don’t want, when folks are thinking about vets, they think the barb wires, back in the old days, and that can get very heavy, I went to the WWI museum in KC, and it got heavy, great history, as a vet but all the guns and the barb wire, that just takes away from what we are trying to accomplish with this piece. I don’t want to see fences, sec�oning property, anything that encloses the property has to be appealing. Are you doing any kind of look out point in the hill? Telescopes or viewpoints? We would suggest that to the ar�sts, we go with the ar�sts idea, with people’s ideas to create the art. I live at double-peak, there is a view point, they have pinned on the ground what everything is. Not having a heaviness about it. I want to go someplace where I feel good, and people want to go back to. So it is a nice experience. I like statues. I can walk away with an emo�on vs. so subtle that I have to read an en�re wall, and those are nice too but they don’t do as much for me as a reflec�on for people. It’s for community members. I like figura�ve art, it doesn’t have to be so literal. There is a Marine memorial which consists of an ocean wave with seagulls to commemorate those who died at sea, it’s a coastal town, more conceptual. How do we bring the schools, create some art, some awards, something for kids to hang art and scroll through, people would come to see what the kids did. I wouldn’t want a type of memorial that had an ulterior mo�ve or agenda, war sucks but those who try to pass a message along those lines, I have an issue with those. In Oceanside, they put pain�ngs all over, with prices, then post the artwork somewhere. I thought of one, I really like those that you see it from one angle and you see something and then you change posi�on and you see something so different, a tribute to veterans but not just one view, but movement and change. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 20 of 32 VI.Online survey, through 08/22/2023 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 21 of 32 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 22 of 32 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 23 of 32 Veterans Memorial Park Public art design concepts The Arch This sculpture serves as a tribute to the strength, resilience and unity of the U.S. military. Fabricated from weathering steel, the arching form spans approximately 40 feet in length and 16 feet in width, rising to a height of 14 feet. Its graceful, sweeping structure evokes both shelter and motion—a gesture of both protection and forward progress. The arch symbolizes the collective support and sacrifice of those who serve, forming a passage that invites visitors to enter, reflect and remember. Honoring not only the lives lost, but the lives changed through service. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 24 of 32 Exhibit 2 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 25 of 32 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 26 of 32 The Ring This sculptural installation offers a contemplative space anchored around a bold, circular form fabricated from weathering steel. With a footprint of approximately 20 feet wide by 12 feet deep and rising 16 feet high, the structure serves as a symbolic portal framing the horizon and inviting stillness, introspection and connection. The ring also serves as a memorial honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. military. Its continuous form symbolizes the enduring nature of duty, unity and remembrance. Positioned within a quiet landscape, it offers a sacred moment of pause—where past, present and future are held in quiet reverence. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 27 of 32 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 28 of 32 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 29 of 32 Spires This installation stands as a tribute to service, strength and unity. Rising approximately 30 feet into the sky with a 28-foot diameter footprint, the concept features six towering spires of weathering steel, each crowned with brushed stainless steel. Suspended from the spires is a 10-foot round of safety- laminated dichroic glass, fabricated with multiple layers to significantly enhance its strength and ensure that in the rare event of breakage, the glass holds together rather than shattering into dangerous pieces, adding an essential layer of protection to the public. Dichroic glass is a vibrant, color-shifting material that changes appearance depending on the angle of light (the sun) and viewpoint. This unique glass reflects a spectrum of colors, creating a dynamic experience that evolves through the day. Representing the solidarity and purpose of the six branches of the U.S. military. This central element serves as a visual metaphor for unity, balance and the shared values that connect all who serve – separately and together. May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 30 of 32 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 31 of 32 May 1, 2025 Item #1 Page 32 of 32 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK Presented by Gordon Huether May 1, 2025 © GORDON HUETHER + PARTNERS 2025 GORDON HUETHER ARTIST STATEMENT CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 2 I am honored to present to you three concepts for the Carlsbad Veterans Memorial. Creating artwork that brings storytelling and beauty to shared spaces has been my life’s work. By establishing a sacred and welcoming place that is accessible to all, these memorial concepts create a shared space where the community can peacefully reflect and honor loved ones. In addition, each concept creates an environment where we can see ourselves and recognize each other, leaving with a heightened understanding and appreciation of the world and our place in it. At GHS, we have a well-established, professional team consisting of administrators, project managers, digital designers, fabricators, architects, engineers, and installers who consistently deliver exceptional results. Additionally, our ability to work with a wide variety of materials provides the freedom to use materials at the confluence of aesthetics, value and durability. Each of the following concepts adhere to the Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan, ensuring that the construction and installation of the memorial is in harmony with the natural elements: minimizing environmental impacts, avoiding sensitive habitat areas and celebrating the natural beauty of the site. CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 3 GORDON HUETHER STUDIO TEAM MILITARYCONNECTIONS Jason Scott, our Senior Project Manager, is a Disabled Navy Veteran. He served with distinction in the United States Navy and received the following decorations: •National Defense Service Medal •Battle “E” Award •Good Conduct Medal •Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (x2) •Kosovo Campaign Medal •Armed Forces Service Medal In his 10 years with GHS, Jason has managed over $40 million in projects. He has applied his military training to project management and has served us with loyalty, honor, courage, distinction, precision and commitment. Jason is a highly valued member of our team and will be intricately involved from inception to installation. He is still very involved with Veteran groups who work, volunteer and recreate together. He is an active member of the following groups: •Veteran Surf Alliance (VSA) since 2021 Based in Santa Cruz Volunteer for Water Safety at events since 2023 Volunteer Merchandise Director since March 2024 •Veterans MTB (VMTB) since 2021 Based in Santa Cruz CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 4 GOALS &OBJECTIVES CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 5 •Honor veterans for their sacrifice and pursuit of hope and happiness •Support physical, emotional and environmental health •Create connections between land and people, self and others, past and present •Encourage expression and understanding of ourselves and each other •Increase residents’ and visitors’ understanding and appreciation for art in public places •Elevate Carlsbad’s profile as a local, state and national leader in the arts, culture and public art HOW WE WILL WORKWITH STAKEHOLDERS AND THE COMMUNITY CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 6 We propose the following methods of community engagement: •Hold a second Town Hall meeting to share three schematic concepts to gather public feedback and direction to inform future progress •Involve local veterans at every stage of the process •Host a writing workshop for local veterans to provide their stories and experiences in their own words for possible incorporation into the memorial design •Assemble the full body of feedback, stories, photos, design process and feature details of the memorial into a website that will be linked to a QR code incorporated into the memorial design The following schematic design concepts have been developed and proposed to the Project Team for the review. All dimensions, fabrication, site preparation and installation details are for proposal purposes only, and may be subject to modification during design development and/or engineer review. All dimensions listed are approximate, and are included for the purpose of providing comparative scale for aesthetic elements. Dimensions and scale will change as part of the engineering and fabrication review process. CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 7 DESIGNCONCEPTS •A tribute to the strength, resilience and unity of the US Armed Forces •Embodies support, a symbol of the collective sacrifice of those who serve •The structure forms a passage, evoking motion and shelter •Invites visitors to enter, reflect, honor and remember the lives of veterans •Arches were traditionally used to mark the boundaries of sacred spaces •Made of Corten steel, which forms a stable rust-like patina, blending with the site •Approximate dimensions: 14’ H x 40’ L x 16’ W CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 8 Note: Dimensions, fabrication, site prep and installation details are for proposal purposes only and may be subject to modification during design development and/or engineer review. DESIGN CONCEPT A:THE ARCH © GORDON HUETHER + PARTNERS 2025 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 9 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 10 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 11 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 12 •Honors the service and sacrifice of the US Armed Forces •Contemplative space anchored by a bold, circular form of weathering steel •Continuous form symbolizes the enduring nature of duty, unity and remembrance •Portal frames the horizon, inviting stillness, introspection and connection •Positioned in a quiet landscape offering a sacred moment of pause to hold past, present and future in quiet reverance •Approximate dimensions: 16’ H x 20’ W x 12’ L CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 13 Note: Dimensions, fabrication, site prep and installation details are for proposal purposes only and may be subject to modification during design development and/or engineer review. DESIGN CONCEPT B:THE RING © GORDON HUETHER + PARTNERS 2025 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 14 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 15 © GORDON HUETHER + PARTNERS 2025 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 16 •A tribute to the solidarity and purpose of the six branches of the US Armed Forces •Six pinnacles of weathering steel with brushed stainless steel caps •Central suspended safety-laminated dichroic glass disc approximately 10’ DIA •Dichroic glass changes appearance and color dependent upon viewpoint, angle of light and time of day •Disc is a metaphor for unity, balance and shared values that connect those who serve - separately and across generations •Approximate dimensions: 30’ H x 28’ DIA CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 17 Note: Dimensions, fabrication, site prep and installation details are for proposal purposes only and may be subject to modification during design development and/or engineer review. DESIGN CONCEPT C:THE SPIRES © GORDON HUETHER + PARTNERS 2025 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 18 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 19 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 20 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 21 CASE STUDIES CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 22 IN HONOR OF THE FALLEN OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE HEADQUARTERS | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | ALUMINUM, DICHROIC GLASS | 18’ DIA CONCRETE PEDESTAL, 12’H | 2015 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 23 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 24 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 25 9/11 MEMORIAL GARDEN NAPA, CA | GLASS, LIGHTING, RECYCLED MATERIALS | PLAZA 25’ DIA X 23’H | 2013 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 26 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 27 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 28 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 29 ETERNAL FLAME CITY HALL GROUNDS | ATLANTA, GA | CORTEN STEEL WALL, CONCRETE BENCH AND RETAINING WALL | 55’-0” | 2023 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 30 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 31 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 32 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 33 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 34 RIBBON DUBLIN PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX | DUBLIN, CA | STAINLESS STEEL, DICHROIC GLASS | 17’H X 5’W X 3’D | 2020 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 35 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 36 OCULUS FORT WAYNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT I FORT WAYNE, IN I LASER-CUT, POWDER-COATED STEEL, DICHROIC GLASS I 18’H X 40’DIA I 2024 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 37 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 38 INFINITY STANLY RANCH, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION | NAPA, CA | CORTEN STEEL | 20’H X 20.5’L X 40.5’W | 2020 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 39 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 40 CARLSBAD VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK GORDON HUETHER STUDIO 41 © GORDON HUETHER + PARTNERS 2025 THANK YOU From: Jeanne Dickson <jmdickson22@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2025 2:08 PM To: Calendar Arts <arts@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Veterans Memorial Park Public Art - Sculpture Choices Hi. First of all, I love the park concept. Here are my thoughts on the sculptures. The Arch. I like it, but I wonder if this structure is an invitation/challenge to climb it. It’s also giving me a spider vibe. The Ring. This is my favorite. Calming with a great view through the portal. Well done! The Spires. Just no. It’s violent. Gives off a very unsettled feeling. Not relaxing at all. I really hate this one. Also, the spikes are bad feng shui. I look forward to visiting the park when it opens. Thanks for listening. Jeanne M. Dickson CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. From: jw waters <h2orat1@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 4:32 PM To: Calendar Arts <arts@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Design Vote Prefer: Spires CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.