Phoenix CC Installs Halo
-- Tradeshow Week, 8/11/2008
Halos don't just belong on angels.
The Phoenix Convention Center, currently in the second phase of its expansion, installed the latest in a series of works for its public art program. The piece, titled “Halo” and created by William Bennie and Kim Cridler, is suspended above the North Building's Monroe Street ballroom entrance.
The wreath-like sculpture of interwoven agave leaves, supported by a grid-like structure 32 feet in diameter, required two cranes to be put into place.
“It's a welcome addition to the expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center,” said Bob Allen, Phoenix CC deputy director of venue management.
The city of Phoenix long has required that all government-funded public building projects devote 1 percent of their construction budgets to public art. That translates to an art budget of $3.2 million for the convention center expansion.
Phase I of the Phoenix CC project was completed in 2006; Phase II, which began the same year and includes the construction of the North Building, is expected to be completed by December. Ten works of art were commissioned for the expansion. Eight of those, including “Halo,” are to be installed during the second expansion phase.
“We are so thrilled with the quality of art that we will be able to share with attendees and the community,” Allen said.
