Media Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Contact: Debra Garcia y Griego
, 505-955-6707
Rethink Public Art
Art, communityand peace in a complex world
Santa Fe, New Mexico—“Rethink Public Art,” a panel presentation connecting art, community, peace and complexity theory by three public art thinkers, writers and administrators will be held on Thursday, April 9 from 6:00 to 9:30 PM at the Santa Fe Complex, 632 Agua Fria in Santa Fe. Jack Becker, co-founder and executive director of Forecast Public Art, publishers of “Public Art Review,” will discuss public art and community building, with an emphasis on art that bridges cultures, brings people together and addresses conflict. Anne “Ahni” Rocheleau, founder and director of Spaces for Peace, will share a visual presentation on how her organization provides groundwork knowledge in order to create cultures of peace through public art sites. Erica Behrens, associate representative/USA of Franz Mayer of Munich, will discuss Franz Mayer’s fabrication techniques and how the firm works with artists and architects’ designs and clients globally. The presenters will then field audience questions.
Since 1976, Jack Becker has actively pursued his passion for art in public spaces. A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Becker specializes in projects that connect the ideas and energies of artists with the needs and opportunities of communities. He is the editor of “Public Art Review,” the world’s leading journal devoted exclusively to the field of contemporary public art.
Anne “Ahni” Rocheleau founded Spaces for Peace in 2004. The organization collaborates with communities to build open-air public art sites that educate the public to a nonviolent way of life. Spaces for Peace sites represent a singular fusion of contemporary visual and sound art with written word, integrated into landscaped architectural spaces in plazas, parks and on campuses. Rocheleau is the former director and curator of The Rhode Island Foundation Gallery and has worked as an arts educator and administrator in nonprofit, government, museum and academic worlds.
For more than 16 years, Erica Behrens has worked with artists on public art projects at various stages. Behrens managed highly successful public art projects with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Art for Transit Program in New York City for 11 years. In her current position with Franz Mayer, Behrens works with artist’s designs and clients globally.
Santa Fe Complex is located at 632 Agua Fria Street. Limited parking is available by entering on Romero Street or Manhattan Avenue. Additional paid parking is available at the City of Santa Fe Railyard Parking Garage. “Rethink Public Art” is partnership between the City of Santa Fe Arts Commission, New Mexico Arts, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, Santa Fe Complex and Spaces for Peace.
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Presenter Contact Information:
Jack Becker, Forecast Public Art,
Anne “Ahni” Rocheleau, Spaces for Peace,
Erica Behrens,
Partner Contact Information:
City of Santa Fe Arts Commission,
New Mexico Arts, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs,
The Santa Fe Complex, , 505-216-7562
Spaces for Peace,