ARTocka: The Dining Room Phase 1 – An Artistic Transformation

The world of art has always been a realm where imagination meets reality, creating spaces that inspire, connect and transform. Our latest project, ARTocka, embodies these ideals, and we are thrilled to introduce its first phase: The Dining Room. This piece marks the beginning of a larger initiative aimed at blending art with everyday life, creating immersive experiences that inspire and engage. Join us as we delve into the journey of creating this unique art piece, exploring its concept, execution and the impact it aims to have on our community.

Conceptualization: The Birth of an Idea

ARTocka began with the vision of integrating art into public spaces to enhance community engagement and cultural appreciation. The Dining Room was chosen as the inaugural phase due to its universal significance as a place of gathering, nourishment and connection. The concept aimed to create a piece that not only beautified the space but also told a story, evoked emotion and invited interaction.

The initial brainstorming sessions were a melting pot of ideas. We wanted to capture the essence of the dining room as a hub of memories and conversations. The goal was to create a piece that resonated with people on a personal level, reminding them of family dinners, holiday feasts and intimate gatherings with friends. The challenge was to translate these abstract ideas into a tangible form that could be appreciated and interacted with daily.

Request for Proposals: A Call to Artists

The City of Bondurant, committed to enhancing its cultural landscape, embarked on this project by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the ARTocka Trail Loop. This lakeside trail aimed to reinforce the hometown character of Bondurant, a suburban community near Des Moines, Iowa. The RFP called for innovative and engaging public artworks that would integrate seamlessly with the park's environment, encourage community interaction and highlight the natural beauty of Lake Petocka.

Proposals from various artists were due by Dec. 13, 2023, and an Artist Selection Review Committee evaluated the submissions based on their creativity, feasibility and alignment with the project's goals. The committee, comprising representatives from the city and local stakeholders, sought an installation that would not only beautify the area but also foster social cohesion and environmental appreciation.

Selecting I/Thee: Thoughtfulness and Integration

Among the diverse and compelling submissions, I/Thee stood out for their unique approach and thoughtful design. I/Thee, a collaborative design group known for projects that celebrate the interplay between nature and human-made structures, proposed a series of five installations around the ARTocka Trail Loop, each representing a different part of a traditional home: the foyer, living room, gallery, garden and dining room. Their vision was to transform the park into an extension of the community’s living space, inviting visitors to experience the natural environment in a new and intimate way.

The Dining Room was chosen as the first phase due to its significance as a communal space where people gather, share meals, and create memories. I/Thee's proposal for The Dining Room included two rammed earth walls constructed on-site using locally sourced soil. These walls would be weathered and eroded by water, highlighting the natural material and its interaction with the elements. An exaggerated picnic table and bench would intersect the walls, forming a communal dining area designed to encourage interaction and engagement.

Design and Planning: From Vision to Blueprint

With I/Thee's proposal selected, the next step was to finalize the design and plan for implementation. This phase involved close collaboration between the artists, city officials and community members to ensure the artwork would resonate with a broad audience and integrate seamlessly into the dining room space.

The design incorporated various artistic elements, including painting, sculpture, and digital art, to create a multi-dimensional experience that engaged all the senses. The color palette was carefully chosen to evoke warmth and comfort, with earthy tones and vibrant accents. The design also included interactive elements, such as touch-sensitive surfaces and augmented reality features, to invite viewers to engage with the piece actively. A huge thank you to BRAVO, for their generous Public Art Grant, enabling us to embark on this amazing Phase projected to be finished this fall.

Execution: Bringing the Vision to Life

With the design finalized, the execution phase began. This involved sourcing materials, assembling the team, and setting a timeline for completion. The execution was a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, reflecting the project's theme of merging the old with the new.

The centerpiece of The Dining Room is a large mural depicting a bustling dining scene, rich with details that draw the viewer in. The mural was painted by a team of local artists, each bringing their unique style and perspective to the project. Surrounding the mural are sculptural elements, including a table and chairs crafted from reclaimed wood, symbolizing sustainability and the importance of preserving our environment.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project was the integration of digital art. Using augmented reality, we created an app that allows viewers to bring the mural to life. By pointing their smartphone at the mural, users can see animations, listen to audio stories and even contribute their memories and photos to a digital collage. This interactive feature adds a personal touch, making each visit to the dining room a unique experience.

Community Involvement: Building Connections

A core principle of ARTocka is community involvement. We believe that art should be a collaborative process that brings people together and fosters a sense of belonging. Throughout the project, we engaged with the community through workshops, open studios and social media campaigns. These interactions provided valuable feedback and helped us shape the project to reflect the community's values and aspirations.

One of the highlights of the community involvement was the memory-sharing sessions. We invited community members to share their favorite dining room memories, which were then incorporated into the digital collage. These stories added a rich layer of meaning to the piece, transforming it from a static artwork into a living tapestry of shared experiences.

The Impact: Art as a Catalyst for Change

As The Dining Room phase of ARTocka comes to life, we are already seeing its impact on the community. We hope the piece will become a focal point for gatherings, sparking conversations and inspiring creativity. It will serve as a platform for discussing important issues, such as sustainability, cultural heritage and the role of art in everyday life.

We believe the augmented reality feature will be particularly popular, especially among younger audiences. It has opened up new possibilities for how we interact with art, blending the physical and digital worlds in innovative ways. This fusion of technology and tradition is a testament to the evolving nature of art and its ability to adapt to changing times.

Future Phases: Expanding the Vision

The Dining Room is just the beginning of the ARTocka journey. Future phases will explore other spaces and themes, each with its unique artistic approach and community engagement strategy. We plan to tackle areas such as public parks, schools and healthcare facilities, using art to enhance these spaces and improve the quality of life for those who use them.

Our long-term vision for ARTocka is to create a network of interconnected art pieces that tell the story of our community. Each piece will contribute to a larger narrative, celebrating our diversity, history, and shared future. By integrating art into the fabric of our daily lives, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for creativity and inspire people to see the world through a new lens.

Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

ARTocka: The Dining Room Phase 1 is more than just an art piece; it's a journey that brings together creativity, community, and innovation. It celebrates the power of art to transform spaces, evoke emotions and build connections. As we continue this journey, we invite you to join us, share your stories, and be part of a project that aims to make the world a more beautiful and inspiring place.

Whether you are an artist, a community member, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a well-crafted space, ARTocka offers something for everyone. Together, we can create a tapestry of experiences that enrich our lives and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Thank you for being part of this journey, and we look forward to sharing many more phases of ARTocka with you.

Throughout Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) 11-county region, a thriving economic environment is attracting more Investors to do business. Learn more about other recent development projects in the region. Recently completed projects and big ongoing developments include the ICON Central Iowa Water Trails, DART expanded transit options, Ignit Sports & Fitness, MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex and The Grand Experience.