The Laramie City Council’s public art plan took a step forward Thursday night, as city officials and citizens met to discuss the final version of the project.
“Public art is something I feel for Wyoming and for Laramie is an opportunity to manage our image and improve how we are viewed,” resident Sonjia Weinstein said at the meeting.
However not all councilors supported a new sculpture on the courthouse lawn, a component of the current public art project.
“How does this art fit into the historic buildings downtown?” Councilor Joe Vitale said. “I worry how people will view the art.”
Public art planners Jennifer McGregor and Renee Piechocki see public art as an opportunity to widen traditional western art in Wyoming. Moreover, they feel that because Laramie has the only university in Wyoming, it is the cultural hub of the state.
“Sometimes there is a perception that public art is only for big cities,” Piechocki said. “I am motivated to help create a more diverse art scene in Laramie.”
McGregor also said the project could help the city increase tourism.
“City’s that invest in public art experience more tourism as well as longer visits by tourists,” McGregor said.
