The Shapes of Water

Percent for Art Funded

The Shapes of Water is a multi-element installation that playfully melds abstract and representational art elements across different zones of the newly renovated Echo Hollow pool facility. Visitors are greeted by a sculptural grouping of three stainless steel and colored-glass raindrop columns, and an accompanying set of smaller, sittable droplet sculptures. Interior and exterior walls feature whimsical aluminum-cut relief panels that bear an implicit message of joy, welcome, diversity, body-positivity and inclusion.

Background
Echo Hollow Pool opened its doors to the Eugene community in 1969 and has served as an important asset ever since. Approximately 89,000 people of all ages use the facility annually for a wide variety of activities, including beginning swim lessons, aquatic aerobics, lap swim training and regional swim competitions.

In May 2018 Eugene Voters supported a $39 million bond and $3.15 million levy to support Eugene Parks and Rec. The scope of work for renovations at Echo Hollow Pool included establishing a visible entryway into the lobby, energy efficiency (50% energy use reduction and 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions), updating locker rooms, increasing the number of family changing rooms and an expansion of water surface. The increase in pools and pool dimensions provide new aquatic activities for their patrons. These activities range from a zero-depth pool entry for toddler play in the recreation pool to a variety of competitive swim opportunities in the larger pool.

The percent for art process is triggered when any building, park, mall, or other capital construction project (but not including streets, alleys, bicycle paths, and other public thoroughfares) constructed, remodeled or purchased by the city which construction, remodeling or purchasing involves the expenditure of more than $50,000.

Project Goals
The City of Eugene, Oregon issued a Request for Qualifications from experienced artists or artist-teams to create a public work of art at Echo Hollow Pool. A total of $88,000 is available for the purchase of site-specific art for Echo Hollow Pool in Eugene, Oregon. This includes but is not limited to artist fees, fabrication, insurance, shipping, travel, installation, documentation, and all other project costs.

Suggested Goals and Themes for Artwork:
• Create a visual draw from street to entryway
• Distinguish the function of space from surrounding school campuses
• Create artwork with a playful and/or energetic quality
• Reflect and foster neighborhood identity
• Reinforce importance of social equity
• Highlight EHP as a place for people of all ages, a lifetime of engagement
• Create opportunity for interactivity
• Respond to energy savings of the project

This project was made possible by the City of Eugene’s percent for art program. Special thanks to our Echo Hollow Pool Artist Selection Committee for their dedication to the percent for art selection process.