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The Medical Mile continuedArt and health on Little Rock’s“Medical Mile” greenwayBy Debra Moseley-Lord,Artist, Medical Mile ProjectWHEN I WAS ASKED TO DESIGN THE ART for a1,300-foot wall along a section of the Arkansas RiverTrail that was to be part of the Medical Mile project, I knewmy years of experience producing public art in Arkansaswould serve me well.It goes without saying that public art pieces have to withstandthe worst physical forces, and I immediately chose touse sheet metals, mosaic tiles, and phenolicresin panels to capture the designs. Simpleand few, but visually compelling: thisalways works for my aesthetic senses, andall things are possible, I believe, as long asyou don’t venture away from one guidingprinciple... and that is: good, strong, andcohesive design.I was also asked to collaborate with cityparks planners on designs for the other largeinstallations on the Medical Mile.I was really happy and relieved to see theunderstanding by all involved here, that aunified design concept needs to followDebra Moseley-Lordthrough to all aspects of the project, and I was honored tocontribute logo design, sheet metal “decorations,” coordinatinginterpretive panel stands, light fixture designs, tileaccents, and even landscape design consultation. I designedthe entire “monument” for our primary fundraiser, HeartClinic Arkansas, in native stone, sheet metals, and a wonderfullight fixture that serves as a beacon for all evening trailvisitors.This cohesiveness is what made the Medical Mile projectrewarding for me... that, and a wonderful working relationshipwith our project coordinator, Terry Eastin. Good designaside, the caring human will is what drives projects like this;the desire to produce something greater than yourself andsomething for all of us.It’s not a perfect project, by any means.There are things I’d definitely do differently,but I expect that’s the way with any complexprojects. Do and Learn. And let Art beone of those forces that lead you furtherdown the trail.For more information on the MedicalMile and other trails and greenwaysprojects that include art and artists,visit www.AmericanTrails.org. Clickon “Resources & Library” and lookin the “Trail Spotlight” section for“Art & Trails.”See more resources at www.AmericanTrails.orgYour online source for trails and greenways ideas and information32NEW YEARS 2007 American Trails