Paula Wenzl-Bellacera

Previous Public Art Projects

Yes

Public, Private or Both

Both

Artist Statement

Public Art
Public art is usually placed in areas easily accessed by people of any age and from every culture and socioeconomic group. These locations serve as a stage for the community to experience quality art and to share in the social, educational, economic and environmental benefits that the arts can bring. Public art is uniquely molded for each community, each site, and each project. It enhances the physical environment and instills citizens with a sense of civic pride and promotes healthy community dialogue. Public art creates places to gather, places to think, and places to play.

By its very nature, public art means community involvement. There can be no public art without collaboration. I believe in becoming part of the community I serve, working closely to align my art vision with community goals, using artwork to create an environment that is uplifting â*" stimulating not only to the senses, but also to the mind. I have worked with community members, city planning officials, architects, interior designers, and art directors on various projects. I know the importance of communicating with all parties, keeping to budget, meeting construction timelines, and coordinating with subcontractors such as fabrication and installation specialists.

Public Art Media

2-D artwork on walls.
Mixed media on panel or on paper.

Previous Projects

Public Art Commissions and Collections
1995-09 Selected Public Art Collections. California Museum Resource Center, National Association of Realtors Headquarters, Kaiser-Permanente, Hinsdale Hospital, First Midwest Bank, Elkay Manufacturers Corporate Headquarters, Loyola University, University of California, Hewlett-Packard, The Money Store, plus numerous medical facilities, legal and corporate offices, and other businesses.

2001-09 Selected Corporate Commissions. 2 East Erie (Chicago Skyscraper Condo Complex - works were from my Brownstone Series), Embassy Suites, Capitol Towers (Apartment Complex), Oglivy Worldwide, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and First Mid-West Bank.

2002-03 Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC). Public arts commission to create a collection of 25 artworks documenting the treatment plant, its workforce, and seasonal changes in a neighboring wildlife refuge.

1998 New Works Award Grant. SMAC commission to partially fund the creation of an exhibition of artwork to commemorate Sacramento's 150th birthday. (Works included local Sacramento Icons.)

Artwork is included in over 300 private collections.

Educational Background

Art Training
University of California, Davis - Graphic Design Program
California State University, Sacramento - Art and Photography coursework
Sacramento City College - Art and Photography coursework
Various art seminars and workshops

Other Education
California State University, Sacramento
BA Psychology, minor Biology
BA Women's Studies
Tulane University, New Orleans
MS Experimental Psychology
Ph.D. Experimental Psychology