The Town of Marana is planning a new public art project that will honor the community’s heritage and natural beauty while also spotlighting a major recreation amenity.
Creative Machines was selected as part of a competitive bid process to be the public artist for the project.
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Marana Town Council was presented with two design options to install on the exterior wall of the upcoming Marana Community & Aquatics Center. Ultimately, Marana Town Council chose “Points in Time.” (Click here to view the full presentation with design options).
Pulling inspiration from the aquatic facility, “Points in Time” references the fluid motion of water, with each droplet, or “point”, serving as a canvas for a metalwork design. The “points” will vary in size, the biggest being 48 inches in diameter and the smallest 12 inches in diameter.
The final project will be located on the north side of the Marana Community & Aquatics Center located along Marana Main Street and will have a lighting component for night-time visibility. The project will be completed and installed prior to the opening of the facility, currently slated for Spring 2025.
(Concept art is preliminary and does not reflect the final design.)
(Concept art is preliminary and does not reflect the final design.)
Now that the official concept has been selected, Creative Machines will begin working on the schematic design, which includes defining the size and materials, the preliminary structural engineering, and the design review.
Project background
Creative Machines was selected as part of a competitive bid process to be the artist for this $400,000 public art project.
The project requirements include the following parameters:
Incorporate aspects of Marana’s natural and cultural heritage and should be a “uniquely Marana” piece.
Enhance the entrance of the community center with a distinctive, aesthetic experience that is both highly visible and welcoming to the pedestrian and vehicular traffic passing by the facility.
The artwork should be mindful of the building’s architecture so that it is cohesive and complementary.
The artwork should include a lighting component.
Photo of Creative Machines, click to enlarge.
ABOUT the artist
Joe started Creative Machines in his garage in 1995. Even though the immediate market was museum exhibits, the goal was not to be an exhibits company but to eventually design and fabricate a wide range of interactive experiences. Their staff includes experienced project managers, architects, design engineers, craftspeople, electrical engineers, certified welders, CNC technicians, and installers trained to operate heavy equipment and perform complex overhead work. Creative Machines follows the same mission statement established back in Joe's garage as we do to this day— to create objects and environments that encourage creativity, support social interaction, and inspire self-confidence.
