Four Corners monument gets go-ahead
This mock-up of "The Monument Of Peace And Unity, designed by sculptor Ai Qui Hopen, was awarded the Four Corners art project after a three-month call to artists. (Courtesy city of Coeur d'Alene)
The Coeur d’Alene City Council gave the go-ahead for a new piece of art to be constructed and installed at the Four Corners gateway.
“The Monument Of Peace And Unity,” a 24-foot-tall work of made of steel, will be installed on the grassy area just east of the Carousel parking lot near Memorial Field. Of the 20 submissions and six finalist pieces, the entry by sculptor Ai Qui Hopen was awarded the $75,000 commission because of what city leaders said was a dynamic interview process.
“There were several key factors that influenced our decision,” said John Bruning of the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission. “The first was that the artist captured the theme that was stated in the call to artists, and she really got that. She really nailed that for us.”
That call to artists asked for a representation of the city’s commitment to equality, to human rights, and to social and economic justice. The city also asked that the work reflects the dignity and worth of every individual, the benefits of coming together as a community and human race, respect for diversity, the universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity, the value of interconnections in creating a strong and more peaceful society, and the community’s commitment to eliminating racism.
“The Monument Of Peace And Unity” will be cut out of ⅝ inch steel and lighted. Visitors can walk inside the spiraling cylinder at its base and take in the artwork from the inside, as well.
"It will be a landmark at a major entry into the city,” sculptor Ai Qui Hopen wrote in her submission form. “It will reflect the city’s long-standing commitment to human rights and human dignity."
Councilwoman Christie Wood, who also serves on the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, praised the Arts Commission, saying the monument will be a strong reflection of the values that drove the Four Corners project forward.
“It’s gorgeous,” Wood said. “Speaking for the task force, I’d just like to say to you, John, and your committee, you’ve done a wonderful work choosing this art. The message is important, and I think this will be a long-term beautiful project for Coeur d’Alene.”
But not everyone voiced praise for the monument. Councilman Dan Gookin said that, while he did not have specific criticisms toward Hopen’s work, he was concerned that the artist — whose company, Humanity Memorial, is based out of West Virginia — was not local. Gookin added that a local artist would have a more informed perspective about Coeur d’Alene’s history with human rights.
“It seems to me this is just art for the sake of art,” he said. “We have an opportunity to tell people who we are and what we represent. You could stick this in any city, and it would say the same message.”
The approval passed the council with a 5-1 vote, with Gookin the lone dissent. Bruning said the monument is expected to be crafted over the summer and installed in late September.