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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVail Public Art Project Presentation v2_Sept_14_2020Vail Public Art Project Marriott Residence Inn SUNRIDGE HOTEL GROUP About the Artist - Stephen Leblanc Stephen LeBlanc has been a professional sculptor for over 40 years. Being an avid outdoorsman, his specialty is realistic wildlife. Whether it is a ram on a lofty mountain peak in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge, or a pair of stingrays gracefully skating along the ocean floor in Jamaica, Stephen has been there to experience the sight. His greatest pleasure is to sculpt particular animals and events he has witnessed in nature, throughout the world. Although Stephen's passion for wildlife is evident in his animal sculptures, he isn't limited in talent when it comes to figurative works. He has been accepted for many figurative and memorial works of people who have positively influenced societies past and present. Stephen resides in Parker, CO and has been displayed in galleries throughout Vail for the last 30 years. Stephen Leblanc - Accomplishments Portfolio Samples Top Left: Bighorn Sheep at Lions Head in Vail Bottom Right: Statue at Two Elk Lodge in Vail Proposed 1st Edition Stephen LeBlanc Sculpture -for the Residence Inn by Marriott in Vail •1.25x life-size elk sculpture based on sculpture to left (roughly 8.5’ tall x 8.5’ long) •Placed on East side of Residence Inn monument sign, w/ staging area for visitors to take pictures •Elk will be sculpted more upright, to look more majestic •The Residence Inn will receive the 1st Edition of a limited run of 7. Proposed 1st Edition Stephen LeBlanc Sculpture -for the Residence Inn by Marriott in Vail •Anticipated Cost: $50,000 for the sculpture with an additional $20,000 that will go into the design and construction of the sculpture’s pedestal, lighting and surrounding landscaping. •Maintenance Plan: Paste wax the sculpture once per year during the Summer. The sculpture is made to endure the outside elements and sealed with a lacquer product and waxed. Proposed 1st Edition Stephen LeBlanc Sculpture -for the Residence Inn by Marriott in Vail Project Schedule: •Weeks 1-8: Point up and sculpting of the piece •Weeks 9-12: based on availability •Weeks 13-18: casting of metal (estimated 78 panels) •Weeks 19-22: metal assembly and finish work •Weeks 23-24: Patina and waxing •It is anticipated that the sculpture installation would occur towards the end of the Residence Inn hotel's construction, estimated winter 2022 Residence Inn by Marriott, Vail Sunridge Hotel Group will be pleased to commission this 1st Edition Sculpture as part of the Residence Inn by Marriott project and as a public art contribution. The Residence Inn will be a 4-story hotel with 146 guest rooms, 5 community housing units, and designed with a mountain modern style. The exterior façade will largely be made up of stone, wood, and metal materials which will blend well with natural elements that can be found in Vail. We believe that portraying wildlife through this sculpture will serve as a beautiful accent to the hotel’s design and as a symbol of the local environment. This public art installation will create a memorable landmark and experience, not just for hotel guests, but to the community and all who will see it along Frontage Road or the walkways in front of the hotel. Sunridge chose an Elk for this freestanding wildlife sculpture, because they are truly magnificent creatures and are breathtaking to behold in the wild. We envision that this 1.25x life-size version of the Elk, sculpted with the experience and realism that Stephen LeBlanc brings, will create a similar memorable experience for all who are passing through West Vail.