The roundabout at 900 South and 1100 East will welcome a new public artwork this year – and it is sure to make a splash. Stephen Kesler’s Out of the Blue was recommended by Salt Lake City’s Art Design Board for commission, and approved by Mayor Erin Mendenhall. The artwork is a full-size sculpture of a humpback whale breaching out of the roundabout, offering viewers what Kesler describes as, “a forty foot wide whale hug.” The sculpture will host murals created by different artists on a rotating basis, to reflect the dynamic and transforming nature of the neighborhood.
Out of the Blue is designed to complement and augment the unique identity of the 9th and 9th area, celebrating a community that is welcoming and stands for respect. Kesler explains, “9th and 9th is unexpected and out of the blue. A community where people from all backgrounds, beliefs and ideas migrate and feel a sense of belonging. A community that bursts through expectations; commanding respect for nature, others’ ideas and identities…” This humpback whale is a symbol of community, resilience, and harmony.
The design was influenced by input from the 9th and 9th community. The Public Art Program collaborated with the East Liberty Park Community Organization to release a survey to residents and visitors to the 9th and 9th area, which solicited community input on the artwork through questions like “What is a public artwork that speaks to you?” and “What would you like an artist to know about the 9th and 9th neighborhood?” Over 100 responses were provided to Kesler to help inform his proposal, as did his own experiences working in the area throughout his career.
In an innovative public art project structure, Out of the Blue will host a rotating program of murals on its surface, allowing new interpretations of the artwork throughout its lifespan. The 9th and 9th area is itself a dynamic and transforming neighborhood, and the mural component of this project is meant to amplify that energy and allow the artwork to respond to those changes over time. The first mural will be commissioned later this year.
Kesler’s realistic representations of animals are known for their rigorous attention to detail and gorgeous exploration of form. His portfolio includes work at the Hogle Zoo and Living Planet Aquarium that has delighted and impressed viewers. Out of the Blue will be hand sculpted from recyclable foam, and then made from fiberglass around a steel frame. Given its location in a roundabout, Out of the Blue is meant to be experienced truly ‘in the round,’ offering the viewer engaging perspectives from any angle.
The Art Design Board selected the roundabout for public art funding in 2019, and it represents the first percent-for-art public art commission in Salt Lake City’s District 5 since 2016. The Design Board solicited applications from Utah artists through two open ‘request for qualifications’ processes, and reviewed proposals designed by finalists. The artwork will be fabricated during the summer of 2021 and installed in the fall.*
***Project update: Out of the Blue will be installed in the 9th South Roundabout in April 2022. Stay tuned for more updates!
Follow along as Out of the Blue comes to life at @slc_publicartprogram and @stephenkesler_tusk.
I see this as an invitation for unwanted graffiti. Huge, white blank canvas?? Oh yeah! I also see it as a distraction for those circling the round-a-bout. This could cause some serious accidents. Maybe you should rethink this display location.
Every mural should feature gnomes, at a minimum. SAVE THE GNOMES!!
How serious can a round-a-bout accident be?
Ridiculous. Save the gnomes.
I agree! I love the gnomes. Let neighborhood groups decorate it on a rotating basis.
I am sure this will be beautiful. But I am really disappointed that it has nothing to do with the spirit of our neighborhood, city or state. The organically grown gnome village represents the whimsical , politically engaged, and diverse members of our neighborhood. I would have liked to see something that reflects these ideas and has a link to our neighborhood
I like the gnomes…….should we build boats and rafts for the gnomes…..not sure how a jump whale represents Utah?
https://www.change.org/p/save-the-gnomes-of-9th-9th
This makes me feel sick. We live in a landlocked state?! What in the actual f&$* is this?!?! Why not a garden?!?! I am in physical distress.
It doesn’t fit. Why not do something more inland Utah appropriate? Who is paying for it?
My neighbors and I are still fuming over the “Sego lily” monstrosity in Sugarhouse park. Why not something beautiful instead of a curiosity? Or spend money on a handicap accessible children’s park like the new one in St. George.
I 100% agree! With your comment! This is beautiful but makes NO SENSE!
While Stephen is a great and noted artist, this is a huge disconnect to me. I didn’t see any public input other than 100 people polled? I’m in that neighborhood, just found out about this. In addition calling it ‘Out of the Blue’ can have political implications that in this day and age of divisiveness seems insensitive. I could site many other obvious reasons to disagree, but I imagine it’s too late.
This is great. I hope the whale doesn’t mind sharing it’s space with gnomes.
I do love humpback whales and this looks like it will be a beautiful piece of artwork and the concept of varying murals is very cool. However, has it’s impact on the functionality of the roundabout been evaluated by a traffic engineer in accordance with the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Roundabout Guidance, Chapters 6.3.10 (Intersection Sight Distance) and 7.5 (Landscaping) to ensure safety? The size of this installation seems like it could pose some potentially significant issues.
This monstrosity belongs in a city along the coast, not in Utah. I agree with the poster who suggested a garden. The upkeep on a garden most likely could be done by volunteers.
I am agast, what in earth is going on with the art council in salt lake? While the sculpture may be beautiful, It has absolutely nothing to do with my neighborhood, Salt Lake City or Utah. Have you noticed we are land locked here? A whale is completely out of place, I have to wonder if the art council is wishing they were picking art for a California coast city roundabout and not our high desert landscape. A whale makes as much sense as an elephant or a giraffe. I am embarrassed for us and feel it doesn’t represent my neighborhood at all.
Plus it is inappropriate for the location. Looks like a giant winged phallus.
To be frank… get it? It looks like a dick
Complete with landscaping to look like it’s time for a shave.
Everyone that’s commented is so upset! I think it’s cute. It’s not any more distracting than a billboard, anyone with a drivers license should understand that it’s important to keep your eyes on the road and be able to just enjoy a quick look at this curiosity. When it is installed I will make a point to drive that way and see it 😊
No one mentioned it not being “cute.” The issue is, it’s a monstrosity in the middle of a roundabout. You can’t see through it to the other side. Traffic can’t flow if you can’t see what’s circling. And all the lookyloos will be stopping to see..Mark my words. They should find another area for it, NOT in the middle of a roundabout.
I think it is awesome!!!
Long live California – the original one.
Ha.
The sculpture is much too large for the small space and certainly does not fit architecturally with the Historic Gilmer Park Neighborhood and our quaint neighborhood style we area homeowners are trying to maintain. Before the city put the round about in ( which I was in favor of) our five way stop corner had 5 stop signs and a couple bus stop signs that were on 7 foot metal posts. NOW, walk down there…..and count the directional signs on tall 7 foot metal posts. The last time I counted there are about 38 or more directional signs on tall metal posts around the round about. The 5 way corner is filled with 38 + necessary signs on ugly metal posts already and does not need another thing protruding out of the ground, especially a 28 foot tall object in the middle. Plants and grasses are a better way to soften the all entire area of metal posts. Shade trees for our walking community and plants would be way better for our neighborhood environmentally and soften car noise.
WE, the public will spend lots of money each month keeping the graffiti off of it. Plant shade trees and a variety of interesting grasses and plants are more appropriate for the surrounding area. The whale art is a terrible idea for our neighborhood.
Agree 100%!!!
Something whimsical would be more appropriate than a corporate symbol For the Pacific life insurance company. https://www.google.com/search?q=pacific+life+insurance+company&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=nimv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&biw=414&bih=622&dpr=3#imgrc=gwyc7tWlH1bUEM
Really awful…wrong subject, wrong proportions, wrong location. The gnomes WERE representational of the neighborhood as its own spontaneous, rotating, ever-evolving art piece. This is a travesty.
I love it. This is a piece that is aware of its size and makes good use of it. I believe the whale will improve the traffic calming effect of the roundabout. Nobody is going to say “A huge whale in the road? I’m gonna go faster!” I love the idea of the whale giving a big hug to the world. The whale is engaging in a spy hop, a nice nod to the youth arts group by that name here in town. I would like it if it were plastered with concert posters and other neighborhood announcements. As a design element, the whale marks the eastern terminus of what we think of as 9th & 9th, and will be seen from literally a mile away along both 900 South and 1100 East. Yes, it’s big. Yes, it’s assertive. Yes, it’s kinda random. I propose its name is Harvey.
It’s not a spyhop. A spyhop is when they raise their head out of the water to take a peek. This is a breech. Nice try.
Horrible idea. A whale? Really? The society driven art of the gnomes is positive and the neighbors love it. The whale has nothing to do with SLC or Utah.
It’s not even installed yet and this art is making the whole peanut gallery feel something. Pssst… you know that means they won, right?
On the flip side, that’s some real white person shit and yes I’d rather see the money, time, and effort spent on this to be reallocated to something more useful. Something that benefits the community more but art is as art does.
I love the idea, however this animal in no way represents Salt Lake City, let alone 9th & 9th. Perhaps we need a new mayor if Mendenhall thinks this is worth commission. SAVE THE GNOMES!
Hideous.
I live in this neighborhood just down the street from the roundabout. Our roundabout has an art installation that is local and that brings us joy – the GNOMES. These Gnomes showed up during the pandemic and lock down and are part of the spirit of whimsy, play, and responding to challenges with art. They mean something to us. We in 9th and 9th did not ask for this are installation. Please consider changing direction or at least giving the neighborhood the opportunity to vote on this.
This INFURIATES me. HOW DARE art express or represent ANYTHING outside of my IMMEDIATE experience. Where is the Dickensian aspect!?!?!?!?!? For all I know this “”””artwork”””” will prevent a tree from growing that would have grown a fruit that would save my firstborn from starvation one day. NO. ART. IS. GOOD. ART.
Yes, this is ridiculous in many ways!
I understand whales can be symbols of “community, resilience, and harmony”, but in a state that’s so far from any ocean? (Last I heard, there were no whales in the Great Salt Lake) Isn’t there another animal that’s more associated with Utah and the West?
And what’s wrong with the gnome theme that’s going on there now? People are having fun contributing their gnomes to the circle. I think this is a great way to bring the community together and promote friendship and involvement.
And why such a HUGE installation? This must be costing a lot of money! Why not something less expensive, so that more funds could be used, as one commenter said, towards handicap accessibility at one of the neighborhood park?
This is great! I love the sculpture and love that you’re installing art in our city and Neighnorhood.
Thank you to the city and artist for caring about the aesthetic and bringing some fun into our area.
These comments bring me joy. It means there are still sane people left in Salt Lake. I love whales, I have this.
Argh. Correction. Hate this.
I love it. Continue to bend the rules! Stunning, unexpected conversation piece that people will come from all over to see.
I don’t think having people come from all over to see should be the goal. These are neighborhood streets. And the roundabout was installed to keep traffic moving in a hopefully more orderly and predictable way; lookie-loos will only create a danger at that intersection.
Why not a Honey Bee 🐝 which add to the beauty of nature and our wild flowers….
@Kirsten – they aren’t bending the rules. This is one more in a predictable series of their taste in art – it doesn’t feel like the spirit of our neighborhood and will be a magnet for pranks and graffiti being just down the street from East High. There is a large local contingent who is unhappy about a giant 40 foot white whale going up in our neighborhood.
@Kirsten – they aren’t bending the rules. This is one more in a predictable series of their taste in art rather than truly understanding the local communities that are home to the art they choose.
A Moose, Bison, Bee, Harvey the Milk Cow, a popping groundhog, a squirrel… indigenous animals abound! A 24-foot cricket would be amazing! A whale is just a bunch of suits trying to be quirky. Leave it to the quirkies of the neighborhood. I know…a gnome hill. It involves the community, reflects the cottages of the neighborhood, is funny and spontaneous and a helluva a lot less expensive. I can guarantee you one thing: If the whale goes in, it will be leaping from a sea of gnomes the likes you have never seen.
Here are some reasons to reject this artwork that I hope both the city and its citizens will consider:
1. Despite city claims, this artwork was approved with almost no public input. According to the SLC Arts Council website, the artwork was commissioned after a city-distributed survey garnered “over 100 responses”. Since 9th and 9th is a neighborhood with well more than 100 people, and since, upon announcing this project, city channels have been inundated with dismayed comments, we can safely assume that the small number of responses in the initial survey had nothing to do with neighborhood apathy about the proposed artwork, but is probably the result of a horribly botched distribution effort on the part of the city. I live in the 9th and 9th neighborhood, and have received no survey, nor have any of my neighbors.
2. This artwork completely alienates state, city, and neighborhood history. I think it relatively uncontroversial to say that geographical context should factor into decisions about public artworks. If so, then public artworks should be devised as a way to add to complement their surroundings, and not just to look pretty in their own right. Whales are pretty in their own right, but there have never been whales in Utah — ever. Even accounting for flora around and within Lake Bonneville, no part of Utah’s geological record indicates that whales have ever had anything to do with this state. Stephen Kesler is an extremely skilled animal sculptor — what’s stopping him from sculpting a giant Magpie, Box-elder Bug, Red-Tailed Hawk, or family of Desert Big-Horns?
3. Utah is in urgent need of public artworks that connect Utahns to their environment, and this artwork cannot do that. The Utah legislature continues to approve environmentally deleterious projects like the inland port and the Bear River dam project, among others, which are imminently threatening Utah wildlife. A big part of why those projects are moving forward is because Utahns lack a sense of connection with Utah’s unique and vulnerable environment. This could be an excellent opportunity for a sculpture of any of the vulnerable species from the Bear River Migratory Refuge. That, at least, would make a great deal more sense than an animal most Utahns have never even seen.
4. Depicting 9th and 9th as a “fish out of water” is pessimistic and potentially homophobic. 9th and 9th is called “Harvey Milk Boulevard” for a reason: it is the center of Salt Lake City’s countercultural life, and, in particular, an important place for the Utah Queer community. One may look to The Tower theatre and Coffee-Garden for particular examples of 9th and 9th institutions that have been little bastions for gay rights for years. Besides this, 9th and 9th is generally known as creative, diverse, and eccentric. This doesn’t seem to be lost on Stephen Kesler, whose artwork is apparently meant to represent “a community where people from all backgrounds, beliefs and ideas migrate and feel a sense of belonging.” But just how a whale represents this is completely opaque. Moreover, representing the 9th and 9th community as a waterborne animal stranded in a desert is — well, painfully accurate is what it really is, but — pessimistic, at best. At worst, it indicates that the people who feel accepted at 9th and 9th are the sort of people who weren’t supposed to be in the state to begin with.
5. The artwork’s proposed design simply lacks creative power and personality that 9th and 9th deserves. Consider Simone Leigh’s Brick House, Barnett Newman’s Broken Obelisk, or any of the works of or Stanislaw Szukalski. These are examples of mysterious, spiritually provoking, and fundamentally interesting sculptures. The proposed project is just a scale replica of a whale – I can’t be alone in thinking there’s nothing terribly interesting about that. Utahns will have gained much when they realize that public artworks can go beyond mere mimesis or mascotry. Again, Stephen Kesler is an extremely skillful artist — why not devise a wildlife sculpture of an vulnerable Utah animal that combines the hyper-realism he’s already mastered with a touch of creative abstraction? Kesler might consult the positively incredible example of the similarly-named sculptor Steve Kestrel as an example of the kind of “abstract wildlife sculpture” that would best suit the personality of the neighborhood.
6. It very strongly resembles the MetLife Insurance logo. (This point stands on its own).
7. It is a potential traffic hazard. The roundabout is a fraught one already. Add a huge visibility barrier that could either total incoming cars, or be knocked by cars into further oncoming cars, and we have a problem.
8. This artwork would displace a well-known and loved community artwork that emerged organically, reflects local values, and has brought joy to thousands. While I would personally like to see a Steve Kestrel artwork on the 9th and 9th roundabout above all else, it’s also the case that this pandemic year has given rise to one of Salt Lake City’s most interesting community creations: a well-kept and positively delightful garden of friendly gnomes, kept neat and healthy by 9th and 9th residents. This installation has been a source of unwarranted joy during our darkest year. Apparently too much joy: for all their ostensible commitment to the local artistic community, the SLC Arts Council apparently took one look at the gnomes and said “this has to go, and it must be replaced with a depiction of non-native fauna”. So, we’re set to lose one of the very cultural effusions that the proposed artwork seeks to celebrate. Not that the city government has shown any concern for this community artwork — apparently Erin Mendenhall won’t be needing our votes in future elections. #SaveTheGnomes
Took the words right out of my mouth and added more. I love this argument and wish I had written it. #savethegnomes
You make some strong points here Atticus, especially 4. I think it’s fair to raise these issues and I’m thrilled that the gnomes mean so much to so many people. No one that I’ve spoken to is anti-gnome, neither community members nor arts council nor mayor. Personally I feel something more “expected” might be a far bigger misuse of space and resources. Sure we could put a moose or a honey bee or a statue of Harvey Milk there but the risk of that would be disinterest or worse it would simply be ignored. I too spent a while confused by the whale concept and have since confronted it dozens of times. Art at its very best draws on visceral instincts we didn’t even know we had until it forces us to reckon with them. We didn’t know we all needed a gnome garden but look at us now, signing petitions and threatening votes. In time the energy of the whale and its clear ability to inspire wonder and provoke emotion will make the spirit of the neighborhood stronger. In the mean time; a sea of gnomes my friend! See you in the circle
So well put! Thank you. I agree 100%.
People seem to think that Gnome Hill in its current state is the end result. Imagine it a few years from now when it a jam-packed sea of gnomes representing the community. Neighbors place them to celebrate birthdays, commemorate unions, and honor the deceased—putting the “Public” in Public Art.
If you care about the safe flow of traffic, which this traffic circle nicely solved, don’t place a huge visual obstacle in its center.
If you care about honoring the integrity of the whales on this planet, don’t relegate its life size likeness to a claustrophobic patch of space. Might as well throw a net over it and stick a harpoon in its side.
If you care about Public Art, install this piece in a worthy spot.
Has anyone made the cost of this public?
It is a monstrosity and we are not an ocean state!! Furthermore there is a security issue as it tremendously obstructs the view for drivers!
Have to say, this is a disaster. Cost must be substantial. Completely ignores the neighborhood spirit of Gnome Hill. I would ask the artist to gracefully withdraw.
Well, I didn’t receive a survey and most people on the Neighborhood app it seems didn’t either, due to the responses I’ve read. I think it doesn’t fit with the Utah Vibe.😂 I vote for a cool gnome house with gnomes all around or a ‘Delicate Arch’, wildlife etc. Leave the whale in the ocean.
I love this! The different murals they will decorate it with will be a great representation of our community.
I love that it’s imaginative! It’s great it’s not the usual and over-used bees or deer.
Thank you slc, for investing in our community and valuing art!
If Salt Lake Arts council needs Neighnorhood support in anyway, I’d love to help.
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My work here is done. Save the Utah Pantages Theater!
?? can’t even believe this was approved. w no – minimal public comment
only people who live in 9th and 9th / Gilmer and Harvard Yale should have been polled because we will have to look at it
This artwork is so specific and representational and doesn’t reflect anything that has to do with the place or history
which if it was interpretive, it wouldn’t have to but, its so literal … a whale the desert… more fish out of water .. out of context, totally out of scale, horrible
for those who like it, unlike me, you probably won’t have to drive by it everyday and wonder WTF!
for Erin Mendenhall to approve this, wow! she should be focused on cleaning up the rampant mental health, drug and homeless issues we are having in this city versus junking it up with artwork that belongs in a place like Alaska
Didn’t Utah just declare a state of emergency for draught? Has Mendenhall ever met a designer in her life? These are the questions we need answered.
Aside from the homophobic undertones, phallic nature, and the fact that Utah is a landlocked state, scale alone should kill this poorly born idea.
Given the surrounding housing market, we might as well lease this plot of land for 1300+ a month – “airy space with a great views of the mtns”
I’d support a 40′ statue of a brine shrimp over this monstrosity.
The artist says that art should create discussion and controversy. So does farting in an elevator but nobody says it’s a good thing to do.
Best comment yet.
I laughed pretty hard at the concept but not nearly as hard as reading these comments. I’m gonna love it. And as for the gnomes, reporting from kuer indicated that there will be two gnomes included. If not, aren’t the gnomes and organic movement from locals? Couldn’t that continue?
I agree with the majority of the comments which have been left. A whale sculpture simply does not fit in an urban land-locked landscape. A whale has nothing to do with what did happen or is now going on at 9th and 9th or in Utah as a whole. Besides being a huge disconnect from the reality and personality of the neighborhood, it has no relevance to its surroundings. This sculpture will invite graffiti. As previously stated, and I concur, It will further be a distraction in an increasingly high traffic round-about. I live close to 9th and 9th and have never seen any involvement of residents of the area in this selection. Please re-think this and come up with something that we, as residents, can support and feel ‘belongs’ in our neighborhood.
This is ugly and inappropriate for Salt Lake City. We’re 1000 miles from the closest whale. Moby Dick in the middle of 9th & 9th. Keep going Ahab, maybe you can make it to San Francisco.
A very similar sculpture already exists in Bruges… Skyscraper the Bruges Whale
Makes no sense. Beautiful, but why not something about Harvey Milk, since it’s on Harvey Milk Blvd. Also, I saw nothing about public input – I would have loved the opportunity to feel I had some sort of a say, especially considering I live in the area and drive by this several times each day. I never saw or heard of any ability to vote. PLEASE SALT LAKE LET THE PUBLIC VOTE ON THIS. The Sugarhouse park art project monstrosity cannot happen again.
This proposed piece of art is in no way representative of Salt Lake City, 9th and 9th nor Utah.
Very inappropriate. I do not support this choice.
I have a legit phobia of whales and this will make it very hard for me to visit one of my favorite locations in SLC. One person’s phobia probably isn’t enough to stop this from happening but everyone here has made some very compelling arguments as to why this should not happen. Hopefully, I’m not too late to the conversation.
Agree with you 100% and share your phobia and repulsion. You are not alone!
Save the gnomes. We will battle the mighty whale at gnome hill. save them from their whale oppressor.