JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County Parks & Recreation and JH Public Art recently released a request for proposals (RFP) for artwork at the new Rec Center.
According to the RFP, areas identified for artwork include, the main interior entrance,
the hall wall leading to the climbing gym, the North stairwell’s two story window area (possibly suspended artwork) and on the 2nd floor wall along the running/walking track.
Submissions are due Sept. 30 and installation is expected to take place in January 2024, in alignment with the Rec Center expansion construction schedule.
Construction began in June and is expected to take approximately 20 months.
The $33.6 million Rec Center expansion project will include a new gym, elevated walking and running track, climbing gym, multi-purpose fitness studio, cardio studio, health consultation rooms, drop-in daycare, multi-purpose rooms, classrooms, and study lounges. Outdoor projects include a zero-depth splash pad and patio, outdoor bouldering wall, and outdoor playground.
According to the RFP, the design intent for the expansion project is a nod to the Teton range. The fiber cement panels of the large gray box addition are stacked horizontally, meant to mimic the sediment layers found in rock strata. It is interrupted by a copper/core-ten material that is folded and compressed as it wraps around the box. This ribbon slides through the cracks in the mass and slides into the building at the main entrance and view corridor to the north, forming a canyon carved into the building. The two opposing materials are meant to create a sense of permanence and movement, reminisant of the landscape surrounding the Tetons.
The artist selected for the conceptual design will be awarded $15,000 to create the final design. The final commission fee for the selected artist is $80,000 to cover, “fabrication, materials, shipping, contract labor, installation, insurance, travel expenses necessary to complete the project, final documentation, maintenance plans and any incidental expenses.”
