RACC Press Releases
July 7 , 2008
Falling Light Rises at MachineWorks Building
The Regional Arts & Culture Council and MachineWorks, LLC announced today that a new public artwork is being installed now through July 25 at the MachineWorks Building, located at 1455 NW Northrup in the Pearl District. The installation, the work of Portland artist Scott Sonniksen, was commissioned by MachineWorks developers Al Solheim, Rich Ford and Gary Ames. The installation, entitled “Falling Light” is incorporated into the structure of the building using the same building materials.
The piece, which measures 22‘ wide by 108‘ tall, is constructed of concrete blocks coated with colored epoxy glaze. The blocks are installed in such a way that it creates a surface which reflects light at subtle angles.
“The concept of ‘Falling Light’ is based on the interplay of light between buildings in this changing urban setting,” said artist Scott Sonniksen. “The use of reds as the main color is a nod to the many historic brick buildings that once populated this district.”
“I want this work to be accessible and viewed from a moving vehicle or from a pedestrian point of view,” continued the artist. “The piece can best be seen looking north on 14th street between Lovejoy and Northrup Streets.”
At the top of the work is a large scale mirror installed at a slight angle extending the central shaft upwards reflecting the southern sky. At night the piece changes its relation to the sky by using up lighting on the red columns culminating with four hot blue airport runway lights at the top.
“Al Solheim has long been an avid arts supporter offering affordable space for artists and arts organizations and advocating for the arts in the real estate development community,” said Eloise Damrosch, Executive Director of the Regional Arts & Culture Council. “We applaud his commitment to integrating art into the MachineWorks project and hope that others will follow his example.”
The developer of the project, MachineWorks LLC, received a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) bonus increasing the allowable ratio from 5:1 to 7:1 using the Central City Plan District eco-roof and public art bonus program. Through this process, the developer dedicated $169,500 to public art, of which 25% is devoted to the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) Public Art Trust Fund for use anywhere in the Central City. The balance is being used for Sonniksen’s “Falling Light” and a large painting by Eastern Oregon artist, James Lavadour, which will be displayed in the lobby of the MachineWorks Building. “Falling Light” was reviewed and approved by the RACC’s Public Art Committee as part of the bonus program. This same body will also review the Lavadour painting. In addition to the $169,500, the developers will spend $75,000 for the actual construction of “Falling Light.”
About MachineWorks LLC. MachineWorks LLC is a development partnership of Al Solheim, Rich Ford and Gary Ames. MachineWorks Building is a mixed-use office development incorporating four levels of Class A office space with a state-of-the-art LA Fitness facility and three levels of parking. The building is located at 1455 NW Northrup in the North Pearl District in Portland, Oregon and is scheduled for delivery in January 2009. Al Solheim is Chair of the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) Board of Governors. Rich Ford is President of R.C. Ford & Company, a Portland-based real estate investment company. Gary Ames, a Tigard native and Portland State Alumnus, resides on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
About Scott Sonniksen. Scott Sonniksen was born and lives in Oregon. His art is owned by private collectors as well as museums and universities throughout the country. His teaching experience includes Reed College, University of California at Santa Barbara, Pacific Northwest College of Art, and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Oregon and Western Washington University. Scott attended the Brooklyn Museum Art School in New York, received his B.S. in Painting from Portland State University and his M.F.A from Yale University. Scott Sonniksen can be reached at 503-358-4554, radiusdesign@opusnet.com.
About the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Through vision, leadership, and service, the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) works to integrate arts and culture in all aspects of community life. RACC has served the Portland tri-county area since its inception in 1995, when the city’s Metropolitan Arts Commission transitioned into a separate not-for-profit organization based upon the recommendation of ArtsPlan 2000+, a far-reaching blueprint for arts and culture in the region. One of RACC’s responsibilities is managing all aspects of the City of Portland and Multnomah County’s Public Art Programs, of which the FAR Bonus program is a part.
About the construction of the art wall. The construction of “Falling Light” is currently underway and is being supervised by head mason Greg Wackerle of Davidson Masonry. Greg can be reached at 1-503-932-5856.
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