Public Art Committee

The City of Urbandale has recently completed a beautification and signage project at the Douglas Avenue Interchange off of I80/35. A final part of that project is to commission artwork that will be placed in the median along Douglas Avenue at the Interchange. The existing improvements include four 20 ft. high ‘Gateway Signs’ (two on each side of the Douglas Interchange) with signage, lights, and cast stone bases with artistic designs. It also includes dedicated space in the median for two pieces of artwork. The Urbandale Public Art Committee (UPAC) is issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to artists (includes artist teams) for the submission of their qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of artwork for permanent outdoor installation at the Douglas Avenue Interchange. The project must consist of two elements, one on each side of the interchange, to be permanently affixed to existing concrete ground surfaced square pads. Read more here: Douglas Avenue Beautification and Public Art Interchange Project (RFQ)

View the 2019-2020 Art Park Sculptures

Current Art Park sculptures can be found here.

The Urbandale Public Art Committee invites you to submit and application for the Urbandale Art Park Exhibition. 2020-2021 Art Park Exhibition Call to Artist Application

Learn more about "Strata" - Urbandale's Centennial Public Art Sculpture.

Interested in serving on the Public Art Committee? Please click on "Volunteer to Serve on a Board & Commission" under Quick Links.

Meetings

  • Noon
  • 2nd Thursday of the month
  • City Hall
    3600 86th Street
    Urbandale, IA 50322

Members

  • Mindy Sauer
    Term expires: December 31, 2021
  • Cate Newberg
    Term expires: December 31, 2021
  • Terri Steinke
    Term expires: December 31, 2021
  • Rob Hilbert
    Term expires: December 31, 2019
  • Carol Holmquist
    Term expires: December 31, 2019
  • James Reese
    Term expires: December 31, 2019
  • Doug Adamson
    Term expires: December 31, 2020
  • Paul Burkett
    Term expires: December 31, 2020
  • Susan Rhodes
    Term expires: December 31, 2020

Overview

The Public Art Committee consists of 9 members who must be residents of Urbandale. Members are appointed by the Mayor, approved by the City Council and serve 3-year terms.

Areas of Focus

The Urbandale Public Art Committee was created in 2008 to enhance the appearance of the City of Urbandale through the integration of art in the public environment. The Committee defines "public art" as an artwork that is created for the public to experience. Public art in Urbandale will represent Urbandale through the following themes:

  • Community
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Family
  • History
  • Vision

Photographic Directory of Urbandale's Public Art

View our photographic directory (PDF) of the public art on display in Urbandale.

Neighborhood Fence Art

The Public Art committee is making art more accessible to Urbandale residents. Take a look at this PowerPoint and check back soon as we develop our pilot program for Fence Art in Urbandale! 

Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery

The Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery is a collaborative partnership between the Urbandale Public Library, the Urbandale Public Art Committee and UCAN. The mission of this partnership is to encourage and facilitate public art of high aesthetic quality that celebrates the uniqueness of Urbandale, enhances the quality of life, makes art more accessible to the general public and provides diverse resources for life-long learning and enjoyment.

Art Park and Otocast

Bringing the unique stories of the art to life for Urbandale residents and visitors is at the heart of the new app being implemented at the Urbandale Art Park and Strata located at the Urbandale Library. The Urbandale Public Art Committee is working with the Otocast App to provide a guided tour of the sculptures in the Art Park. The tour includes a map of the where the pieces are located, photos of the pieces and the artists, and brief narratives from each artist about their specific piece. To "take the tour," simply download the Otocast App on your smartphone or tablet. The app is free and can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store. If onsite at the Art Park, each piece has a plaque that provides a brief concept statement from the artist and includes a QR code that, when scanned using a smart phone, will provide access to the Otocast app. This new feature will provide the public with a more meaningful and uniquely inspiring experience when viewing the sculptures.

Contact Us

  1. Public Art Committee


    Email

    City Hall


    3600 86th Street
    Urbandale, IA 50322

    Parks & Recreation Department


    Phone: 515-278-3963