The Public Art Committee Photo courtesy Paul Filinger

Together these seven Lafayette artists, along with an art supporter and a collector, are helping establish and make decisions about the public art collection for the City of Lafayette. They recently got together for a City of Lafayette-sponsored reception at the Gallery space in the Community Hall to launch their first exhibit and introduce themselves to residents. The event was aptly named, "Who is the Public Art Committee?" Not only do members volunteer their time for the Committee, but many of the artists brought their work to the reception for all to enjoy.

The gallery space was specifically designed for this purpose, and with a growing number of events and civic functions in the Community Hall, many visitors can appreciate something beautiful, even those on their way to a City Council meeting.

Local artist Tom Taneyhill says that the Committee is still in the early stages and is "working out the parameters" of choosing art pieces. He explains the Committee's several key responsibilities: "In addition to selecting exhibits for the Lafayette Library, we also advise the City Council on art acquisitions, review public art proposals, and steward the City's art collection."

"Submissions," he added, "are always welcome." Interested artists should contact Ann Merideth, Special Projects Manager, for more information -amerideth@lovelafayette.org.

In alphabetical order, Committee members include: Susan Dannenfelser, Connie English, Paul Filinger, Erling Horn, Clay Jensen, Dennis Mudgett, Marcia Barrow Taylor, Tom Taneyhill and Sandra Wolfe.