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Preserving Art for Future
Generations The conservation and maintenance of Scottsdale's Fine Art Collection is an essential and significant facet in preserving the city's cultural heritage for future generations. The Scottsdale Cultural Council's Public Art Program identifies works of art that require conservation and develops a priority list of projects based upon the condition of the artwork and other evaluation factors. These factors include the significance of artist, historical relevance and the influence of the artwork in the community. Windows to the West, by Louise Nevelson is one such work in need of repair. History On June 5, 1970,
the city of Scottsdale was awarded a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment
for the Arts to commission a monumental work of art by an outstanding
American sculptor. Scottsdale was the first small city to receive an endowment
from the NEA's new program, "Works of Art in Public Places." In February
of 1972, the Scottsdale Fine Arts Commission selected Louise Nevelson
to create her first large scale work in the Southwest. The completed sculpture,
formally titled Atmosphere and Environment XIII, but more affectionately
known as Windows Years of placement in a reflecting pond amidst shooting jets of water, combined with the faulty construction techniques used to make the sculpture, have taken their toll. "Rust-jacking" from water that cannot drain from the seams has warped the sculpture. Additionally, the accumulation of acidic pigeon guano has eroded the sculpture's surface, and rusted through in areas, creating unsightly holes in the Cor-ten steel. As a result, the Scottsdale Cultural Council has hired nationally renowned conservator Glenn Wharton, and Tallix Foundry (formerly known as Lippincott Foundry, the original fabricator of the work) to assist in restoring the sculpture to its original condition.
Schedule In May, 2002, Windows to
the West was relocated from the Civic Center mall to Tallix Foundry
in Beacon, New York, where the conservation is taking place. The amphitheater
will undergo construction to renovate the site and
Q & A
The Louise Nevelson sculpture was installed in 1973. Since its installation, the sculpture has suffered from corrosion related to its environment. This corrosion is primarily due to its location (water fountain, pollution, bird guano).
For the most part, it is common for outdoor sculptures to be subject to regular maintenance. In this case, the Louise Nevelson sculpture was installed in 1973 by the Scottsdale Fine Arts Commission, and there was no established maintenance plan for the city's artwork at that time. In addition, there was little information regarding the long-term effects of the environment on cor-ten steel, a relatively new material for artists during the 70s.
The Louise Nevelson sculpture was prepared for removal and de-installed on Monday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 8, 2002.
Conservator Glenn Wharton and Tallix Foundry, Tempe Crane and Scottsdale Cultural Council staff were on-site during this process.
Kim Curry-Evans, Associate Curator at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, was the principle project manager. Wendy Raisanen, Assistant Registrar, will work closely with Valerie Vadala-Homer, Director and Curator for Scottsdale Public Art, and the Public Art and Collections Committee.
The Louise Nevelson sculpture will return to Scottsdale in the Spring 2004. In early 2004, there will be a re-dedication ceremony.
A remodel of the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall's amphitheater will begin after the Louise Nevelson sculpture has been removed. The amphitheater remodel project will be conducted throughout the fall of 2003. The construction will allow for renovation to the site and remove elements that were previously detrimental to the sculpture's well-being.
New York's Tallix Foundry, the
repository of Lippincott Foundry's (Nevelson's sculpture fabricator),
is partnering with Glenn Wharton for the sculpture's restoration. The
process includes determining the extent of the corrosion, dismantling
the sculpture, cleaning individual
Tallix is one of
the country's leading fine art foundries. Tallix has a long-standing history
with providing fabrication and restoration to sculptures by such prominent
artist as Claes Oldenburg, Richard Serra, Joel Shapiro and Robert Indiana.
Additionally, their 85,000 square feet facility can easily accommodate
the sculpture. Tallix has experience in restoring Louise Nevelson's sculptures,
making them very qualified for this project.
You can view additional information about Tallix by accessing their website at www.tallix.com .
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to
the West because of its westward orientation as a gateway to the
mall, was dedicated in 1973. Since then, the sculpture has become known
as a signature piece for Scottsdale and is a dramatic backdrop for the
hundreds of performing arts concerts that have occurred on the mall. 
remove elements that
were previously detrimental to the sculpture's well-being. In the Spring
of 2004, the newly restored sculpture will be returned to the renovated
amphitheater. An official dedication ceremony will take place in early
2004. 
sculptural components and refabrication of those elements beyond repair.
The sculpture will then be reassembled for its return to Scottsdale.