Guest blogger Gail Sachson owns Ask Me About Art offering lectures, tours and program planning. She is Vice-Chair of the Cultural Affairs Commission and a member of the Public Art Committee.

The city of Dallas Public Art Program was established by ordinance in 1988. The ordinance provides that all appropriations for City capital improvement projects include an amount equal to 1.5 percent  or .75 percent of the total project appropriation to be used for the design services of artists and/or the commissioning of artwork.

Somehow, my answer to the question of “why do we need public art?” came out in verse. Maybe fewer words will conjure up more images:

Windows to the Soul by Gordon Huether at The Bridge homeless assistance center

Why Do We Need Public Art?

We need public art to make us smile

To be confused, to contemplate and critique

We need public art

To congratulate and connect

Our quiet minds need stimulation

Our tired eyes a treat

Our aimless bodies need redirection

So we walk around and parade on through public art

A percent for art is a meager price to pay

To open minds

And nourish souls

Whirl by John Christensen at Bath House Cultural Center