Public Art Proposal
Title: Equine In Motion
Artist: Sierra Brown
Location: Pioneer Park –
Commerce City, CO
For: Cocklebur
Reimagined – Commerce City Public Art Submission
Concept Statement
Inspired by the wild
spirit of the prairie inspired to represent the late cocklebur horse owned by
the Conter family. Equine Motion
reimagines the form and force of horses as metaphors for resilience, growth,
and the ever-evolving relationship between nature and community.
This proposed public art
installation will feature three life-sized, laser-cut wooden horses—each
captured in a distinct moment of movement: standing, trotting, and galloping.
Constructed from weather-treated plywood, their layered, interlocking forms will
echo the textures of natural materials and agricultural craft. As a nod to the
tenacity of the cocklebur plant—often seen clinging to fur, fabric, and
motion—these horses become carriers of wild energy, movement, and connectivity.
Relevance to the Theme:
Cocklebur Horse Reimagined
The cocklebur is known
for its cling and its resilience—qualities mirrored in these wooden equine
forms. Horses, historically integral to Commerce City’s rural and industrial
roots, become dynamic carriers of this spirit. The sculptures honor both the natural
grit of the land and the forward motion of a growing city. Just as the
cocklebur evolves with its environment, these horses symbolize
transformation—rooted in the past, pushing toward the future.
Design + Fabrication Details
• Material: Laser-cut,
weather-resistant plywood (marine-grade), with eco-friendly sealants
• Style: Layered
silhouettes with open slat construction to create transparency, shadow, and
movement
• Movement Poses:
• Horse 1: Standing –
calm, poised, watchful
• Horse 2: Trotting –
mid-motion, transitional energy
• Horse 3: Galloping –
powerful, forward momentum
• Dimensions:
Approximately 6 ft tall by 8 ft long per horse
• Base: Steel platform
supports with concrete footings, slightly elevated to preserve lawn and allow
drainage
Engagement + Interaction
• Community Focused:
These sculptures are designed to be walkable and interactive—encouraging play,
curiosity, and reflection.
• Shadow and Light: Open
design casts dynamic shadows that change throughout the day—mimicking the
prairie landscape’s shifting light.
• Photogenic and
Educational: Visitors can engage with movement and form, and interpretive
signage can link the horses’ symbolism to the cocklebur’s biological story and
local history.
Site Integration
Positioned in a gentle
arc along a walking path or central open lawn, the horses will face differing
directions—inviting approach from all angles. Their forms are visually light,
ensuring they integrate with the park’s open space and complement other proposed
Cocklebur Reimagined installations.
Maintenance Plan
• Annual resealing
(eco-friendly outdoor finish)
• Modular panel
construction allows for easy replacement or repair
• Designed to age
gracefully, with a natural weathering that reflects the prairie aesthetic
Budget (Preliminary Estimate)
Item Estimated Cost
Design + Prototyping
$2,000
Materials (Wood,
Sealants) $4,500
Fabrication (Laser
Cutting) $5,000
Transportation + Install
$3,000
Steel Bases + Footings
$1,000
Contingency +
Maintenance $1,500
Total $17,000
Budget is scalable
depending on exact site parameters or stakeholder feedback.
Closing Statement
Equine Motion is a
celebration of movement, history, and transformation. It honors Commerce City’s
relationship to the land and cocklebur horse—drawing lines between prairie
plants, animals, and people. Just as the cocklebur clings and travels, these
horses carry forward the stories of community and resilience. Thoughtful in
design and open in meaning, the installation will be a striking, symbolic, and
inclusive addition to the reimagined landscape of Pioneer Park.
ideas from online for examples
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