Art & Soles is a public art project rooted in collaboration and inspired by the belief that art can begin to change people’s perceptions about public space. The Greater Springfield-UMass Amherst Partnership, Springfield’s Business Improvement District and TSM Design have collaborated on this initiative to bring 20 five-foot high top sneakers to downtown exploring what makes Springfield great. The shared objective is to invite visitors to Springfield’s downtown to take a walk and view the work of some great local artists. We hope this collaboration will be a model of a public/private partnership that will inspire others.
Art and Soles is modeled after many other successful public art projects across the country, one of the most publicized being the cows in Chicago. A blank form is created out of fiberglass, five foot sneakers positioned on their toe in our case. A request for proposals is sent out to artists all over Western Massachusetts to propose ideas for decorating the sneakers by answering the question: What makes Springfield great? After receiving all the artist submissions, 20 artists are selected to each receive a sneaker upon which to realize their design. After the artists are finished, each sneaker is installed around downtown Springfield. After 3 months, the sneakers are auctioned off at a community gala for a local charity.
www.artandsolesspringfield.com
http://www.youtube.com/artandsoles
JULY 2010: Sneakers Arrive
From across the country, America’s Fiberglass Animals delivered 20, undecorated, six foot sneakers to downtown Springfield on a flat bed truck on an early July morning. Upon arrival, sneakers were loaded into the new Art & Soles Studio.
JULY 2010: Press Conference at the New Art & Soles Open Studio
After a welcome from Springfield Mayor, Domenic J. Sarno, the sneaker artists were introduced to the press and delivered their six foot canvases to begin work. Many of the artists who did not have studio space large enough to accommodate their sneaker chose to work in the new downtown Art & Soles Studio. Once a vacant store front, 1200 Main Street transformed into a vibrant, open, downtown art studio for the artist to create and share their work with the public. With large windows for each working area, artists and their sneakers were often on display to all downtown. With open hours, the public was encouraged to come in the studio to meet the artists and learn more about the project.
AUGUST 2010: Finished sneakers; clearcoating and installation
Once the artists finished with their sneakers, the exceptional team at the Springfield Business Improvement District picked each sneaker up, delivered them to Rick’s Auto Body to be sprayed with a clear coat for protection from the outdoor elements. After three days drying, the sneakers were off to be installed around downtown Springfield.
AUGUST – OCTOBER: Sneakers remain installed around downtown Springfield.
AUGUST 2010: Basketball Hall of Fame Sneaker Signing
Springfield, Massachusetts is the home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the world’s shrine to basketball. Each year, players, coaches and contributors are inducted into the Hall. This year’s class included the Men’s Olympic Basketball Teams of 1960 and 1992. Many of the players graciously agreed to autograph a very special Hall of Fame sneaker. Signatures include Oscar Robertson and Walt Bellamy from 1960 team as well as the Assistant Coach Warren Womble. From 1992 “Dream Team,” signatures include Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Chris Mullin, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, Charles Barkley, Dennis Johnson (dec.), signed by his wife, Doris Johnson, as well as Assistant Coach Lenny Wilkins and Assistant Coach P.J. Carlesimo. Also represented is Gus “Honeycomb” Johnson (dec.) signed by his brother Perry Johnson. This sneaker will be auctioned off with the rest of the sneakers in February 2011.
NOVEMBER 2010: Art & Soles Gallery Opens
Reusing another vacant space downtown, 1391 Main Street was transformed into the Art & Soles Gallery. All sneakers were moved indoors for the public to view them, purchase Art & Soles merchandise and learn more about the artists involved. The gallery had an official opening reception in November and will remain open until the sneakers are auctioned off in the end of February.
