Submitted by ALTA (Austin League of Tejano Artists)
In the early eighties artists at LUCHA's (League of United Chicano Artists) Museo del Barrio began an extended exploration of what a native Mexican American/Tejano architectural language might consist of.
The senior artist was Augustin Ruiz, then in his eighties, and now deceased, who had been the longtime apprentice of Pompeo Coppini, the Italian master famous for his work at UT in the first half of the century. Next in seniority was Joe Perez, in his sixties, now deceased, famous for his unique artistic iron work, who had been a sixteen year veteran of the celebrated Weigel blacksmith shop. These elder masters formed the skills of several young artists- Ramon Maldonado, David Santos, David Perez, James Perez, Abel Salas, Ramiro Mancias, Tecolote, Daniel Corral, and others. Master masons David Lucero and Ralph Gandara, and artist Arleen Polite also had a presence in this circle. Celebrated sculptor, Charles Umlauf was the group's guardian angel, on several occaisions, resolving petty bureaucratic obstacles and supporting fellow master Joe Perez.. One architect, Ponciano Morales III, early on recognized the importance of this exploration and teamed up with the artists to show what might be possible for an Austin civic architecture with a Tejano spirit.
Due to cultural and economic factors, local limestone, mild steel, and concrete were the primary materials used. During a ten year period dozens of large metal and masonry pieces were completed and stored around East Austin. Sadly, there were no architectural opportunities for this sort of work in big civic projects like the convention center, despite efforts to make artisan inclusion an integral part of public buildings.
Yet there were some vindicating events. ALTA artists won Austin's only two architectural competitions in modern times- A gazebo in cherished Zilker Park, and monumental gates at the Zilker Botanical Gardens. ALTA artists have also won far more public art competitions than anyone else. They are currently producing a major sculpture at the new airport, and architectural detailing at Monopolis Youth Sports Complex..
Saltillo Plaza represents the first major Mexican American based civic building project in Austin. ALTA proposes to incorporate Tejano architectural specialty work, as described below, to help make the project a great success, even as donors if the available budget requires.
Chicano Eagle- The eighties building boom resulted in many new buildings downtown, The granite facing for these buildings was prepared on the Eastside, and a broad palette of stone scraps, the color of Austin's new skyline, were available free of charge. David Santos assembled these scraps into a photorealistic depiction of a Chicano "Brown" Eagle, that was cast into a massive reinforced panel intended as a wall unit. 15K. Go to photo page.
Mestizo Comet Watchers(Equipment enclosures)- A barrio character nicknamed Mestizo was convinced that the return of Haley's comet represented a sort of millennial event for Chicanos. No one took this notion quite as seriously, but in a spirit of fun, the comet became a cryptic element in many murals and sculptures. The comet fizzled, not much seemed to happen in the Barrio, but we were left with some cool pieces. These large earth cast concrete faces are intended as enclosures for electrical or other equipment. 3K, 5K, and 8K.
Creation of Texas I (column)- The first of a long line of major works with this theme. 10K. Go to photo page.
Locuras Wall Panel- An experiment in creative concrete and stone with integrated electrical, audio/video port, foam insulation, etc.. No photo. Located at Plaza de Las Nueces. 5K
Misc. Pieces - ranging in size from a ton downward, there are over a hundred pieces of unique masonry units available to Plaza Saltillo for consideration. One notable piece would be suited for the fountain sculpture; Espiritu de Lucha.
Prices above are offered to Saltillo Plaza only, at less than one third of the set value of the work, in consideration of the civic importance of the project to the Tex-Mex community. Installation costs vary slightly subject to conditions, and are estimated at around ten percent of the unit cost. In the event of the unavailability of funding for Saltillo Plaza art, the work is offered as a donation.
ALTA is also proud to represent the mural and sculpture work of Ambray Gonzalez, the top Tejana public artist. If chosen, ALTA's liaison will be Ambray, for whatever role desired by Ole Mexico. ALTA also supports the role of Lora Lei Brown as a coordinator between various artists and participants.
http://www.polycosmos.org/alta/alta.htm
Questions about this proposal- James Perez, 459-7500, Ambray Gonzales, 459-4358, or David Santos, 462-3107, 1000 Daniel Dr., Austin, TX 78704