Proposal - Sage VaughnLa Quinta
Village Complete Streets Roundabouts Proposal
(52 Calle Sinaloa and Calle Tampico)
These roundabouts present an exciting opportunity for public art. They are both visually
accessible and provide a dynamic viewing perspective. As drivers and pedestrians circle the
roundabout they will have a continuously changing view of the sculptures. The designs I am
proposing will utilize these visual and dynamic opportunities to create a stimulating experience.
The most important aspect of my public art is communication. Normally, my work sits in a
gallery, museum, or a collector’s home where the general public's access is limited. In those
cases, the sentiments I am trying to convey are subtle and personal; however, with public art,
the opportunity for broader engagement is much greater! It’s the difference between an
intimate discussion with a friend and a crowd of people singing along at a concert. I enjoy
making works that are beautiful and approachable, but also interject an altered perspective of
the present moment. Integrating natural aspects of the landscape back into our urban
environment turns the notion of sprawl on its head. This project presents an amazing
opportunity to create an experience between the viewer, the sculpture, the surrounding nature
and all the intersecting layers.
These sculptural works are carefully arranged groupings of the flowers and plants present in the
landscaping. Giant polished aluminum representations of Red Yucca Flowers, Lantana, Cressia
Blossoms, and Texas Rangers reflect the light of the Coachella Valley. They highlight the nature
that surrounds them both literally and figuratively, reflecting the evolving relationship between
them. In addition, intricate compositions of negative space allow the viewer to “look through”
the work, revealing the environment that surrounds them. They convey a poetic juxtaposition
similar to a blade of grass pushing through the concrete or a coyote strolling across a golf
course at sunrise.
Initial sketches of the flowers mentioned in the proposed landscaping are included in this
proposal. Engineering and cad design will follow. The sculptures will be laser cut from half inch-
thick aluminum plates. My fabrication team will refine the work, assemble the pieces, and
create all the necessary mounting hardware. The sculptures will be polished and clear coated to
give them both a final finish and protect them against the elements. My installation team will
cast concrete forms and mount the sculptures to them. The final sculptures and concrete forms
will integrate themselves into the existing design and landscaping while creating a visual
attraction to stand out as well. Tunable and subtle uplighting will create the final touch after
the sun goes down, giving the sculptures another dimension at night. These sculptural creations
will bracket this stretch of Avenida Bermuda, giving the area an identifiable presence and
unique feel.
Thank you,
Sage Vaughn
Calle Sinaloa
Calle Sinaloa
(alternate angle)
Calle Tampico
Relevant Prior Works
Main St Mural
Downtown Los Angeles
2018
Relevant Prior Works
Hotel Joaquin
Laguna Beach
2019
Relevant Prior Works
Jane Sanders Stadium
University of Oregon, Eugene
2017
Relevant Prior Works
Jane Sanders Stadium
University of Oregon, Eugene
2017
Itemized budget
For both sculptures:
materials - 7500
cutting - 4000
fabricating -9000
finishing/coating - 7000
concrete - 5000
artist fee- 15000
hardware - 1800
insurance - 1200
design - 4500
transportation - 3500
installation - 16000
lighting - 3500
engineering - 5000
contingency - 9000
total - 92000