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.