LaVale Library Public Art Presentations

The Allegany Arts Council and Allegany County Library System are pleased to announce the semi-finalists in development of a Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) planning grant. The proposed project, located on the patio of the newly-constructed LaVale Library seeks to add an attractive outdoor public art installation and address practical issues of shade and usage during summer months.

In late 2022, a Request for Proposals was sent statewide to artists encouraging them to submit concepts. A public art review panel comprised of local artists, library personnel, arts administrators, technical staff and Friends of the LaVale Library met to review the concepts and advance three-semifinalists. The three concepts selected included proposals from local artist Edward Coffey, local artist and educator Christopher P. Sloan, and local artist and architect, Steve Fiscus and Vermont-based Mark Dardozzi. The planning grant was funded by a generous donation from local arts patron, Sandra Saville.

Renderings of the proposed concepts are now available for view at the LaVale Library, where they will remain for the next week. Members of the public are invited to the next phase of the process, an Artist Presentation program to take place Monday, March 6, 2023, from 6:00PM-8:00PM at the LaVale Library. During the meeting, the public review panel will hear final presentations from each semi-finalist and will be able to ask questions and discuss technical specifications for the proposed projects. Members of the public are invited to attend as observers only.

The public review panel will meet following the artist presentations to select a finalist, who will receive an additional $2500 to further refine and complete the concept, working with the Allegany Arts Council to submit a Public Art Across Maryland New Works application in April 2023. If awarded, the project will receive $50,000 for development of the selected design.