Big changes are on the way for Van Ness as the avenue's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project moves forward, with construction estimated to begin in early 2016 and conclude in 2018. But new transportation infrastructure isn't the only thing headed to the area: a proposed public art project could bring a trio of 20-foot-tall light sculptures to Van Ness & Market, Van Ness & Sutter/Bush, and Van Ness & Union.

The proposed sculptures come from artist Jorge Pardo, whose proposal was selected for recommendation to the SF Arts Commission in 2013. Pardo has proposed installing three large-scale lighting sculptures, each measuring 20 feet tall, with a 7.5-foot by 5.5-foot base. Fabricated from steel, the sculptures will be illuminated from within by LED lights on a timer.

Here's Pardo's artist statement from the SFAC project description, which emphasizes the sculptures' urban setting.

“the work is an urban coastal redwood……it is made of steel, light and weather…..it is young not old….it comes out of the concrete…not the soil….it does not grow…..its purpose is to orient and remind ….maybe of the past….maybe the present…..it is an urban machine… 

If you've got feedback on the proposal, the Visual Arts Committee will convene at 3pm on Oct. 21st (401 Van Ness Ave., Room 125). There will also be a public comment period through 5pm on October 20th: you can email your comments to Public Art Program Associate Zoë Taleporos at zoe.taleporos {at} sfgov {dot} org.