this guide was created to accompany
an exhibition of John Van Alstine and
Noah Savett's working drawings and
models for Tempered By Memory
Tempered By Memory - 9/11 Memorial Sculpture
Tempered By Memory
A large-scale contemporary sculpture made from World Trade Center Steel, for permanent display in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Two Views of Tempered By Memory. Images by Lawrence White.
THE BEGINNING
In the spring of 2010, Saratoga Arts was contacted and encouraged by officers stationed at the Saratoga Springs Naval Support activity, of an opportunity to acquire World Trade Center Steel from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Since 2002, the Port Authority had been administering a program that distributed steel to communities around the country and the world; the program was in its final weeks of operation.
Out of our initial conversations came a shared vision: to create a forward-reaching work of contemporary art that serves to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001. Saratoga Arts decided to request steel from the Port Authority.
Tempered By Memory is the result of our efforts.
CONCEPT + FORMAL DESIGN
resonance + aesthetic spirit
The material from which this sculpture is made resonates with our collective history, instilling the sculpture with an emotional and commemorative function. While the artists are respecting the unique form and texture of the steel, they chose pieces that suggest both stability and flexibility. The arrangement of these pieces will help us temper our memories of September 11 and send a message about the transformative power of art, the strength of communities, and the ability of creativity and vision to carry a community beyond tragedy.
Our design will use steel beam remnants from the WTC North and South towers. Images of the twisted steel façade on September 11th have been forever etched into our collective psyche and are now powerful visual icons. The artists will build on that power and create a commanding visual contemporary artwork and commemorative statement. Saratoga Arts is working very close with the City of Saratoga Springs to confirm an equally prominent site downtown that will provide the best setting for the sculpture and best serve the city and the region. The site they propose will be discussed in open meetings before coming up for final approval.
ENHANCING SARATOGA'S HISTORY
The whole world has been transformed by the events of September 11, 2001, including the Saratoga region. Most directly, there has been a northern migration of people relocating out of the city. This has affected the towns and small cities along the upper Hudson Valley and into Washington County within the past decade. But Saratoga Springs had a very direct relationship to the World Trade Center Towers through the respite program, in which, in the final months of 2001 and into 2002, residents and businesses opened their doors to Ground Zero workers, offering them hospitality and a break from their efforts in NYC. This was another moment in Saratoga Springs' rich history of being a place of healing.
We believe this project will be a fitting monument to the events of September 11, 2001, and to those affected by it. It will create a substantial new point of interest to Saratoga Springs and will be another feature to the city’s special and unique character. Thus far, it will be the only project of this nature at this scale in the northeast. It will be one more reason that Saratoga Springs is one of the premier small cities in upstate New York and the Northeast United States. Tempered By Memory was completed by September 2011.
SCALE + SITE
a delicate balance
As Tempered By Memory evolved into a magnificent work of art it was evident that a more appropriate site was needed: one that could allow more space for contemplation and reflection, yet remain prominently visible within downtown Saratoga Springs where it best serves our community. With the support and endorsement from the City of Saratoga Springs and a concerted effort to increase the broad base of public input, research is currently underway to find the most appropriate site for Tempered By Memory. A permanent location will be decided upon by the end of 2011. Thus far,Tempered By Memory is the only project of its nature and scale in the northeast United States.
DEDICATION
Although Tempered By Memory was not installed by the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 as hoped, the true meaning of the sculpture was not lost and will live on in our community for generations to come. At a reflection ceremony on September 11, 2011, to mark the 10 Year Anniversary of 9/11, Saratoga Arts invited community members to where the sculpture sits awaiting placement, to remember those who were lost and to celebrate a community coming together to find strength, transcend tragedy and move forward towards a positive future. Saratoga Arts is committed to allowing for additional public input in finding the most appropriate location for Tempered By Memory. Once a location is finalized and installation is completed, Saratoga Arts will dedicate Tempered By Memory in a public ceremony where the sculpture will be donated to the City of Saratoga Springs.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
public dialogue
It was not until late fall of 2010 that Saratoga Arts had the steel in its possession and knew that the project could move forward; once we were confident that we might have a sculpture to offer, we solicited external review and appropriate approval, with opportunities for public dialogue building as we moved from general concept to concrete proposal. On January 4, 2011 the Saratoga Springs City Council again discussed the sculpture during its regular, public meeting, and invited comments and questions. The Council voted 5-0 to accept the proposal from Saratoga Arts.
Thanks to thoughtful and diverse public engagement, we have already raised from private contributions, 85% of the funds needed for Tempered By Memory. Saratoga Arts is grateful for the enthusiasm, nongovernmental contributions, and professional expertise that continue to support the project as the sculpture’s fabrication concludes and details for its placement become finalized.
Making A Contribution
you can help
Tempered By Memory will be built on a foundation of community support. Many contractors and arts professionals have already donated their talent, services, and equipment, offering about half of the $196,000 we anticipate the project costing. Saratoga Arts' Board of Directors kicked off the cash fundraising in early 2011 with a $10,000 pledge. As of November 2011, we have raised an amazing $173,000 for the project, but we still need community support. Currently, we still need to raise $23,000 in cash contributions to make sure we have the funds to cover the cost of installation and complete this project.
Community members and organizations have been making individual contributions as well as organizing fundraisers for Tempered By Memory. Please visit our donation page to get involved.
Click below to listen to Saratoga Arts on WAMC the roundtable June 29, 2011.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1821535
