Downtown Norwich roundabout may become a public spot for art

— Instead of bare brick pavers and a ring of flowers, drivers navigating the downtown roundabout soon may see three galvanized steel sculptures collectively titled “The Promised Day” depicting uplifting images of families, Mother Nature and heroes.

That proposal by Stonington artist D. Derek is currently the leading contender being considered by the City Council Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee, although no votes have been taken to endorse the design.

The committee discussed the artwork at a special meeting Monday. The group will meet later this month with representatives from the regional Cultural Coalition to discuss logistics and costs of the project before voting to recommend this or another project to the full City Council.

Funded through the city’s American Rescue Plan Act grant, the coalition sought public art proposals for the center of the roundabout at Franklin and Main streets. Coalition Executive Director Wendy Vincent said the coalition’s arts committee initially sought concepts for projects limited to $25,000 and then chose three finalists to submit art proposals.

Derek submitted two of the finalist designs, his second titled “Heart’s Rose.” The third proposal, “Prismatic Rosy,” was submitted by Dave Lewis and Kate Bunce.

Alderman Swaranjit Singh Khalsa, chairman of the Public Works committee, said all three members liked “The Promised Day” design as the lead finalist, but all three works remain under consideration.

The full City Council must vote to approve the final project, Khalsa said.

“The Cultural Coalition is excited at seeing the project come to fruition,” Vincent said in a text statement, “and continuing our work alongside the city of Norwich to thoughtfully bring public art to the city through the city’s ARPA funding designated to arts and culture.”

“The Promised Day” artwork features three galvanized steel sculptures arranged so they would be visible as viewers circle the roundabout. One panel, titled “Mother Nature,” depicts a female figure seemingly in motion amid growing plants. The second panel, “Heroes,” features an abstract horse rearing up as its rider leans back with outstretched arms. The third panel, “Family,” shows an adult and a child seemingly engulfed in stars.

Khalsa said the committee has questions about technical matters, such as lighting and security. The roundabout center is not meant for pedestrian traffic, but the committee wants to ensure the metal sculptures would not have sharp edges and would have anti-graffiti coating.

The sculptures, collectively weighing 2,400 pounds, would be mounted on a 1-foot-tall pedestal. The city has security cameras in the vicinity, Khalsa said.

In his submission, Derek said he drew his inspiration from his research into famous Norwich artist Ellis Ruley, who painted colorful, upbeat scenes often using Norwich settings as a fantastical backdrop. Ruley often painted horses, including rearing horses, and painted figures with long, outstretched arms.

“My inspiration for this project is to imagine what it would be like to collaborate with Mr. Ruley today,” Derek wrote in his submission. “To take our shared views on life and art and reimagine it a way where we both have our voices.”