Threat to Birds Transformed by Public Art

Portion of window screen mural in place, showing the difference in the reflectivity of the skywalk glass.

By James Ed. Ducey

Public efforts to "transform a skywalk into a public art piece" will also benefit birds migrating through downtown Lincoln.

Two murals have been placed along the sides of a skyway connecting the parking garage to the building.

"My composite of people presents the diverse culture of the city," said the artisan, Larry Roots, of Lincoln. "Socially it has a broad audience."

Workers installing the window screen art, showing visibility with and without the screening. Window strike bird carcasses have been found at two locations within two blocks of this locale.

Roots had numerous issues to consider during 2.5 years preparing "Our Community ... Larger than Life," including street clearance, weight considerations, while maintaining the visibility to the outside for people within the walkway. Meetings were held with community groups to develop the images.

This art was selected from among 50 proposals that were submitted. Roots had been involved with the Stories from Home project, and continued with the subject of people. The skywalk mural is a new genre he said, and "represents the potential for a consortium of visual artists to present additional works." Roots works with Modern Arts Midwest.

The project was sponsored by the City of Lincoln, Downtown Lincoln Association and Lincoln Arts Council. It is within the 12th Street Art Zone.

South side of the finished art mural on the skywalk from Energy Square, 1111 O Street, and the adjacent Center Park Parking Garage to the Magee's Building, 1201 O Street.