Al Rhea’s “Parent and Child” in Clarkson Park.

Idea for Neighborhood Sculpture Stems
from Place Game

The Place Game process works.

Just ask Margie Magnuson, president of the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association (JCNA). Last month, her organization unveiled the latest addition to the neighborhood – “Parent and Child” by local sculptor Al Rhea. The work of art is now at home in Clarkson Park.

Magnuson said the idea of adding a public art component to the neighborhood originated at a Place Game workshop hosted by JCNA in 2002. The Place Game workshop, a free service of Omaha by Design, helps citizen groups identify potential opportunities for improving the public spaces in their neighborhoods.

The JCNA public art project was supported by a $5,000 grant from the Mayor’s Neighborhood Grant Program.  Rhea’s stainless steel sculpture, which depicts a larger figure bending toward a smaller one, was selected through a competitive process.  Seven local artists submitted proposals to JCNA’s Public Art Committee.  Rhea’s work was selected for its artistic merit as well as its suitability for the park location, Magnuson said.

The neighborhood association will take care of the sculpture. Its presence may lead to more public art in other sectors of the Joslyn Castle area. “It’s a great way to enhance your neighborhood,” Magnuson said. 

For more information about the Place Game workshop, contact Teresa Gleason at 402.342.3458 or teresa@omahabydesign.org.

For more information about the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association, visit www.joslyn-castle.org.