A selection committee has recommended hiring artist Dimitar Lukanov to build two sculptures on either end of the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook pedestrian bridge, as well as a decorative gate for the south entrance of the bridge.
According to Mayor Michael Villa, the selection committee consisted of himself, Alderman Chad Majewski, Urban Renewal Agency Director Nick Zabawsky, and Kelly Quist-Demars, constituent representative for Congressman Paul Tonko.
Villa said that the committee was impressed with Lukanov’s artistic vision as well as his intent to connect with local schools during the project and utilize local craftsmen for some of the work.
A special meeting of the Common Council is scheduled for August 2 at which the contract will be voted on. Villa said that he hopes to have the artist present his proposed artwork at an upcoming regular council meeting. One of the sculptures should be completed in November, and the remaining two next spring.
According to Lukanov’s website, he was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria and became a United States citizen in 2003. He resides in Brooklyn, NY, but maintains a studio in Schoharie County, NY.
Among Lukanov’s notable pieces is a sculpture at the John F. Kennedy airport titled “Outside Time”.
