Bozeman Fire
Station
Bozeman, Montana
- Public Art
- Mountain West
- Leverage percent-for-art program to select exterior installation
Large-scale installation by Matt Babcock at the entry of Bozeman Fire Station No. 2
Conveys themes of lineage, protection, and speed/strength
Our team administered the Call for Proposals and worked with city staff, community members, and fire department employees to review and select the awarded artist
The Story
As art consultants for the City of Bozeman, MT, NINE dot ARTS helped manage their percent-for-art program, which requires 1% of construction costs from city-funded capital improvement projects to be allocated to public art. As part of this program, we helped bring new artwork to Bozeman Fire Station No. 2 by administering a widespread Call for Proposals and working with city staff, community members, and fire department employees to review and select the awarded artist. Now, a new installation by Matt Babcock adds a playful energy to the site that both engages passersby and distinguishes the fire station within the surrounding community.
Entitled “Lynx Caeruleum,” this eye-catching sculpture reflects both the natural environment of Montana and the connection to Montana State University, where Fire Station No. 2 resides. Featuring a mother bobcat (MSU’s mascot) and her cub, the sculpture conveys themes of lineage (honoring history while embracing the future), protection, and speed/strength – all qualities of the local fire service people. Made of powder-coated aluminum plates welded together, this installation will require minimal maintenance and is sure to make a long-lasting impact amongst fire service people, residents, and visitors for years to come.
