Meet the Artist Team: Wowhaus

Artist team to create exterior sculpture at the new Donelson Library; invites community to give input and insights.

Wowhaus (pronounced “wow-house”), a collaboration between artists Scott Constable and Ene Osteraas-Constable, was founded 25 years ago. For over 17 years, they have created works in the public realm. As pioneers in the realm of socially-engaged practice, their work is informed by their training in community development with the US Peace Corps and rooted in a lifelong study of traditional craft, public celebration, and the role of art in daily life. Their projects benefit from a cross-cultural approach, ensuring deep integration with a site and community.

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Above, from left: Golden Spiral, Ewing, NH; Wellspring, Santa Rosa, CA; Spinradl, Cincinnati, OH

The artist team embraces a systems-based, community-engaged approach, finding inspiration in the cultural, historical and ecological factors that shape a sense of place. "We are honored to be selected for this exciting commission and look forward to creating engaging artwork that becomes a beloved community hub and landmark for the Donelson Library," said the Wowhaus team.

Wowhaus has studios in Oakland, CA, and fabrication facilities in Sonoma County. They work in a wide range of materials including bronze, stainless steel, architectural glass, ceramic, and mosaics. Their public art installations can be seen in parks, libraries, universities, and city centers across the country.

Metro Arts’ call to artists for the exterior artwork at the new Donelson library will result in a permanent, site-specific artwork for the library’s front lawn. The greenspace will serve as the “town square” for the recently redeveloped Donelson Plaza and the surrounding community. A large open lawn, framed by shade trees, will provide a multipurpose space for community events.

The Wowhaus artists are coming to Nashville in late April and are excited to meet and learn from stakeholders and community members. Residents are invited to engage with the artists and share about Donelson at a community meeting. The meeting will be held on Friday, April 29 at 5:30 PM at Wine Down Nashville, 2720 Old Lebanon Pike, in the Donelson Plaza. This community feedback will inform the design of the final artwork. Doors open at 5:00 PM and light refreshments will be provided. No tickets are required to attend, but we ask that you register at Eventbrite for purposes of headcount and email updates.

Watch Metro Arts’ social media accounts and our Projects in Progress page for updates on artworks at Donelson and other upcoming sites, and sign up for Arts Alert to stay informed about all Metro Arts news and opportunities.

Meet the Semifinalists: Exterior Public Art at the New Donelson Library

News Release: Metro Arts Announces Selection of Artists for Public Art at New Donelson Library