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You are here: Home Public Art Recently Completed Projects Old Orchard Project

Old Orchard Neighborhood Project

Old Orchard Neighborhood Project

The "Old Orchard Tree Sculpture" was completed in July of 2012 and the neighborhood response has been overwhelmingly positive. The dedication will take place in early September with the date and time still to be announced. The sculpture was designed and created by local artist Calvin Babich and was funded by the City of Toledo's One Percent for Art Program.

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In 2010 the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo reviewed the geographic distribution of public artworks in each council district and found that District 5 is the only Toledo City Council District that does not host any artwork from the City’s One Percent for Art Collection. That same year the Art in Public Places Committee began planning and budgeting for a neighborhood project in District 5.

In the spring of 2011 a Design Review Board (DRB) was formed and began defining the parameters of a project in the Old Orchard Neighborhood. The DRB selected the median/planter on Kenwood Ave at the intersection of Kenwood and Secor as the site for this neighborhood project. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was launched in June of 2011 targeting submissions by local and regional artists. CLICK HERE to view the RFQ that was circulated for this project.

The Design Review Board model is the national standard for selecting artwork for the public domain. It is successful because it relies on a collaborative process that involves a cross section of community stakeholders, local citizens, and design professionals. CLICK HERE For more information about the Design Review Board process.  The Design Review Board for this commission includes the following individuals.

  • Susan Reams (Local Arts Advocate)
  • Sandra Wiseley (Local Arts Advocate)
  • Tom Waniewski (Toledo City Councilman District 5)
  • Claude Fixler (Exhibition Designer, Toledo  Museum of Art)
  • Mary Chris Skeldon (Old Orchard Resident, & Director of Communications, The National Exchange Club)
  • Matthew Clarkson (Old Orchard Resident & Project Manager, The Collaborative Inc)
  • Sue Savage (Old Orchard Resident)

In January of 2012 the Design Review Board selected local artist and stone worker Calvin Babich for the commission. Calvin’s design concept features materials and construction methods that are common to the neighborhood. It also features three stylized fruit trees referencing the orchards that existed before the neighborhood was developed.

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The project is presently underway and it is anticipated that it will be completed in the summer of 2012. Much of the work will be completed on site which will provide the community with the unique opportunity to watch an artist at work.

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This project is funded by the City of Toledo's 1% for Art Program. The 1% for Art Program is administered by the Arts Commission through its Art in Public Places Committee. For more information about this program CLICK HERE.