Watermarks – CODAworx

Watermarks

Client: Huntsville City Hall

Location: Huntsville, AL, United States

Completion date: 2024

Artwork budget: $245,000

Project Team

Artist

Shuli Sadé

Sadé Studio

Executive Director

Allison Dillon-Jauken

Arts Huntsville

Public art Program

Teri Alea

Arts Huntsville

Public Art Program

Jennifer Johnson

Arts Huntsville

Architect

Mark Coyle

Goodwyn Mills Cawood

Light Design

Bobby Renfro

Jackson Renfro& Associates

fabrictaor

Daniel Negrin

Galaxy Glass & Stone

Construction

Madison Duran

Turner

Installers

Tara O'Gorman

turnerboon

Overview

Watermarks is a site-specific artwork spanning 12 feet by 38 feet laminated glass crafted from manipulated photographic data, installed in the lobby of Huntsville City Hall. The mural seamlessly blends elements of nature and urban landscapes, featuring iconic Huntsville buildings against a vibrant, backlit surface. Inspired by Huntsville’s rich history and natural surroundings, Watermarks captures the essence of the city. The colorful artwork specifically draws from the beauty of Monte Sano trails, Big Spring, and Indian Creek. Big Spring, historically significant as Huntsville’s founding water source in 1805, remains a central feature in Big Spring Park, where the new city hall stands. Indian Creek, meandering through the park and connecting the spring to the Tennessee River, underscores the city’s aquatic heritage. Watermarks symbolize the enduring influence of water in Huntsville’s cityscape, celebrating these natural and historic elements through its captivating design and scale.

Goals

With Huntsville City Hall myriad functions and housing over 370 city employees, the artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the city's beauty, history, and its people. Illuminated day and night, the artwork is visible from the the intersection of Fountain Circle and Madison Street streets, offering a shared experience that highlights the city's essence even after nightfall. By featuring iconic buildings, the artwork offers a source of pride for all residents and visitors. The newly constructed City Hall and its integrated artworks symbolize community, unity and foster civic pride.