The City’s Department for Culture and Creative Development (DCCD) added another site to San Antonio’s roster of public art which spans all city council districts. City Councilman David Medina hosted the unveiling and was joined by City Manager Sheryl Sculley and other City officials in lighting “Ballroom Luminoso” at the underpass of Theo/Malone and IH-35, located on the south side of District 5.
“Ballroom Luminoso,” by Joe O’Connell and Blessing Hancock of Creative Machines, Inc. in Tucson, Arizona, transforms an ordinary underpass into a community shadow theater. A series of six brilliantly lit, color-changing chandeliers hang from the underpass and each will cast bright shapes and colored shadows approximately 40 feet. The chandeliers are made from recycled bike parts and other metals with LED lights used to allow for creative expression with minimal maintenance.
“By incorporating public art into the most accessible places, we are bringing our community together and creating an inviting neighborhood for our residents and for other members of our city who are traveling here to take part in what the Southside has to offer,” said Councilman Medina.
The project is the first to be completed by Public Art San Antonio as part of the 2012-2017 Bond Program. The current Public Art Plan, with projects covered by the bond and some that are not, is comprised of approximately 25 sites around the city including cultural corridors, facilities, and parks projects. Later this month a public art installation on Zarzamora Street by local artist Oscar Alvarado will also be unveiled.
“New meaning and significance has been given to the Theo/Malone underpass. ‘Ballroom Luminoso’ is a culturally relevant work that enables neighborhood connectivity,” said DCCD Director Felix Padrón, referring to the site as an example of creative placemaking.
A special preview lighting took place on Thursday evening. Ballroom Luminoso will be permanently lit by the middle of May. The Theo Avenue and Malone Avenue corridors will soon see improvements with $14.2 million designated from the 2012-2017 Bond Program.
More information about public art in San Antonio can be found at www.publicartsa.com. Visit www.sahearts.com, your guide to arts and culture, and the official site of the City of San Antonio’’s Department for Culture & Creative Development.