Scottsdale Public Art chose a local artist to create a monumental $395,000 sculpture with lighting and landscaping for the WestWorld expansion.

The group last week chose Jeff Zischke, who has created pieces for Public Art’s recent Canal Convergence series.

A long process still exists for final design approval for the piece, part of the $43 million expansion and renovation of the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld.

But Zischke envisions a 20-foot-high, stainless steel horse with 760 individual pieces of tubing so it appears in motion. He has dubbed the piece “Impulsion.”

In his proposal, Zischke wrote that he wanted to “to create a catalyst for an experience that tells visitors that Scottsdale is a place on the move, with all the propulsion, the power, of the large elegant horse.”

Bill Heckman, chairman of the Scottsdale Public Art advisory board, said while two other finalists — one from London who created work for the Tower of London — made the vote for artist selection close, he was glad the boardchose a Valley artist.

“Part of our mission is to help develop (Valley artists) in some way,” he said. “This is truly a monumental piece, and it’s going to show from quite a distance.”

Scottsdale Public Art hopes to have the work completed in time for the opening of Barrett-Jackson’s collector-car event in January.

The public-art advisory board also approved $128,000 to enhance the Scottsdale Museum of the West project.

Article by AZ Central