The sculpture consists of four large red painted steel Xs with a concrete form and wing wall behind, made to appear as the entrance to stairs leading underground. The sculpture is the work of sculptor Taag Peterson of Arlee, MT. It is intended to represent the tall railroad trestles necessary for crossing deep mountain ravines and itself stands 10 feet tall.
Taag, from Arlee, MT, could be considered a local artist and is a member of the Public Art Committee of Missoula, which consists of nine members. The work is included in the
Missoula Public Art web page and was one of the subjects of an
article in The Missoulian.
Missoula's red X's sculpture to undergo restoration
November 01, 2010 9:15 pm • By KEILA SZPALLER of the Missoulian
The red XXXX sculpture at Circle Square isn't as bright as a ripe tomato anymore.
Since 1986 when it was installed, Montana's weather has battered it, and at times, vandals defaced the piece representing themes from the railroad.
But a new day is on the horizon for the work named "Crossings." Come Monday, Nov. 8, restoration begins on the landmark public art creation commissioned by the city of Missoula.
"The entire piece is going to be brand new and beautiful," said Kathi Olson of the city's public art committee.
The rejuvenation of the X's shows that even in tough financial times, the Missoula community still pours out dollars and support for a good cause. But that's arguably nothing new.
This cleanup also marks the genesis of an endeavor by the public art committee. Sunshine and snow are taking their toll on all of Missoula's public art collection, and the committee is embarking on a push to create a steady stream of money and long-term plans for its care.
"You need to maintain it," said public art committee member David Nelson of Missoula's collection. "Right now, there's not a fund for that."
Late on Monday morning, a group of committee members, business owners and "Crossings" artist Taäg Peterson gathered on site at the north end of Higgins Avenue to talk about the restoration plan.
The X's, which represent tall trestles across canyons, will be sandblasted, painted and get a clear coat. The bed where the sculpture sits also will be scrubbed, and the cement buttresses, a nod to freight travel, will get spiffed up.
The estimated $15,000 effort is coming together with donations from volunteers: Don Hinricher's ABC Rental & Equipment Sales will do the heavy lifting with forklifts. Lynden Clark's Powdercoating by Clark Industrial will give the metal X's a makeover. And Dan Nash, of Nash Enterprises, will take on the cleaning and sandblasting of the buttresses and brick on site.
Nash, whose company has operated in Missoula for 35 years, said the sculpture needs to be spruced up. He's glad to spring for the project because the community has contributed to his business.
"They've given us a pretty good living. (It's) time to kick back a little bit," Nash said.
The refreshed piece is expected to be back in place on Nov. 15. Clearly, that's none too soon for the artist, who has watched it deteriorate over the years.
"I think it's high time we get it back in order," Peterson said...
From The Missoulian