Overview
Curated by Veronica Bielat
Negative Space is an exhibition exploring the unrealized possibilities of public sculpture. Through proposal maquettes, renderings and documentation, the exhibition reconstructs a landscape of absence and provides us with an opportunity to experience these works. “Negative Space” asks visitors to consider how public space is shaped not only by what is built, but also by what is refused.
Participating artists: Mark Beltchenko, Richard Bennett, Sierra Chadwick, Aaron Deshields, Sergio De Giusti, M. Saffell Gardner, Ray Katz, Kathyrose Pizzo, Lois Teicher, Foster Willey
Upcoming Programs
Scaling up: Proposing Large Scale Public Sculpture an Artist Talk
Thursday, September 10, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Join us for a conversation featuring exhibiting artists Sergio De Giusti, M. Saffell Gardner, and Lois Teicher, moderated by curator Veronica Bielat.
Drawing from both successful and unsuccessful proposals, the artists will share what they’ve learned about responding to public sculpture opportunities, building realistic budgets, understanding what a call is really asking for, and presenting an idea clearly.
Whether you’re an artist interested in public art opportunities or simply curious about what goes into developing a large-scale sculpture proposal, this conversation offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the process.
The discussion will be followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A.
Moderator: Veronica Bielat
Panelists: Sergio De Giusti, M. Saffell Gardner, & Lois Teicher
Public Art: What is it? Who is it for?
Saturday, September 19, 2026
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Who decides what art shows up in our public spaces, whose stories are represented, and how those choices shape the communities around us?
Join cultural critic and CCS Dean Emeritus Vince Carducci, along with Craig Wilkins, Associate of Professor Architecture at University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, and Mikel Bresee, former Director of Community Arts Partnerships at College for Creative Studies, for a conversation about the people, ideas, and decisions that shape public art.
Together, they’ll look at the roles artists, communities, institutions, and funders play in what gets created and how public art can reflect the identity and values of a city.
This will be an open conversation, so we encourage you to bring your questions, perspectives, and experiences to the discussion.
Free and open to the public
Admission
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