Percent for Art Funded

Artist Statement on Project 
This mural enhances the journey to the facility by integrating flowing abstract shapes that evoke the movement and texture of water. Located prominently on the main building's upper facade, visible from the parking lot, and extending to the wall beside the entryway, the design connects the surrounding environment with the space itself. The colors, drawn from the other nearby murals, foster a sense of unity and continuity, while the dynamic flow of the forms guides visitors toward the building. This interplay of texture and movement reflects the vitality of water and celebrates the community's connection to the space.

Background
Sheldon Pool & Fitness Center features a three-pool design that includes a 25-yard indoor pool, a deep diving well great for no-impact water aerobics and a brand-new warm-water pool. Programs include lap swimming, recreational swims, water-based fitness classes and fitness center workouts and rentals.

The adjoining Sheldon Community Center, which is also part of this project's location, provides recreation services to all ages and parts of the community including preschool classrooms, school-age afterschool and summer camp programs, teen leadership programs, adult wellness, art, social activities, facility rentals and large community events. It is known for having the only indoor gym in Eugene Rec, as well as a large aquarium and nature play area.

Project Goals
The City of Eugene issued a Request for Qualifications for Muralists and a Request for Existing Artworks for Sculptors for the Sheldon Pool & Fitness Center Percent for Art Project. This mural commission or existing sculpture purchase was open to all professional artists who are located and working within Lane County, Oregon. The all-inclusive budget for this project was $10,000. This project was funded by the Percent for Art program, which allocates 1% of capital construction projects to foster public art in the City of Eugene. The entry deadline was March 30, 2023.

Potential Goals and Themes:
• Reflecting water, nature
• Community engagement
• Non-representational design that unifies and contrasts existing murals
• Wayfinding from parking lot
• Builds the identity of Sheldon Pool & Fitness Center and Sheldon Community Center, differentiating from neighboring Sheldon High School building
• Space serves young and old, with a hope to draw teens