Birth of the NFL, Michael Clapper, 2008
SERVICES PROVIDED: Design coordination, Materials research, Budget management, Engineering coordination and oversight, Fabricator bid process, Fabrication oversight, Lighting design development, Shipping, Installation services, Scheduling, Project close-out.
Birth of the NFL is a work of public art that is meant to commemorate the founding of the National Football League. In 1920 the League was formed inside a Hupmobile dealership in Canton, Ohio that was owned by Canton Bulldogs owner Ralph Hayes. This project represents that event by using a spheroid form as a metaphor for a seed pod, and the NFL letter composition as the nucleus within. The stainless steel spheroid and glass letter composition are perched atop an 11’ tall pedestal of pre-rusted steel I-beams. This is meant to honor the steel industry of Canton as well as display the names of the 10 original teams of the league. Located outside the Bow Building in Canton, Ohio, this work measures 23’ x 11’ x 8’ and is constructed of stainless steel, pre-rusted steel, I-beams, and dichroic glass.
Select text and images courtesy of Michael Clapper. Digital modeling and presentation graphics by Mowry Studio.
