Echo by Bruce White
The idea for public art in the 13th Street District came at a time when M-PAC had just formed and when the 13th Street District Committee was looking for ideas to incorporate art in the newly revitalized district. A new venture for both groups, M-PAC reached out to public art consultant, professor, and artist – Tom Stancliffe. A Request for Qualifications was sent to 15 artists nationally – and all 15 responded with interest! With the help of both M-PAC and the 13th Street District Committee, three artists were selected as finalists. Input from the public was sought as a selection jury was formed for the final selection. In January of 2014, Bruce White’s concept for Echo was chosen.
Echo, the work of Illinois artist Bruce White, is a 34’ tall stainless steel sculpture sitting at the center of the 13th Street District. Since installed in 2015, Echo and its surrounding green space creates a grand welcome into the District providing a unique space for community gatherings. Completed in May of 2015, Echo was gifted to the City of Marshalltown.
"If I could say it, write it or sing it, there would be no need to build it."
- Bruce White
Budget: $100,000
The project included Echo, light poles, plaza, irrigation system, back flow preventor system and a portion to the futsol courts.
Details: Stainless Steel, 34' high x 23' wide
Project Goals:
The community is working toward the following vision for the district… Imagine… A vibrant neighborhood, unique shops, cafes, entertainment and events… a village within our city. A place where the history of the past intertwines with the present and the future. A place where the spirit of our community really comes alive. Committed to making this vision a reality, the 13th Street District Committee is actively working to fill storefronts and to organize events that will help to reestablish the area as both a valued neighborhood amenity and a popular community destination. In addition, the Committee continues to work to improve the physical environment of the district. As part of that effort, the Committee will be raising funds to develop the new plaza area in the center of the district. To be included in this central plaza area will be an iconic public art piece that defines the district.
Selection Committee: Bruce Cambell, John Hermanson, Doug Gervich, Michele Buzbee, Julie Miller, Shannon Espenscheid and Heidi Dalal
Installed: May 27th, 2015
Funded by: Iowa Great Places, Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, 13th Street District Committee, Community Foundation of Marshall County, Marshalltown Development Foundation and Marshalltown Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Learn more about Echo here!
"M-PAC really helped us to open our minds to the possibilities and to think in terms of the big picture. M-PAC helped us realize that what we really wanted for the District was an iconic presence that offered the "otherness" factor. Getting past our initial narrow vision to achieve the end result would not have been possible for us without the help and guidance of M-PAC. Their help in guiding us through the process of identifying our objectives, defining our project, soliciting RFP's, selecting the artist, working through contractual issues with the selected artist, installation of the art piece, etc., was essential to the success of our project."
- John Hermanson, Business Owner in the 13th Street District
- John Hermanson, Business Owner in the 13th Street District
