“Things that have multiple
layers and meaning are the
things that I’m particularly
interested in.”
David Thal • Architect, Photographer, Artist
“Art that is meant to make one wander, discover, investigate – that’s where
my focus is. And what’s nice is that everyone brings a different focus to the
group.” David Thal is explaining his role on the Public Art Task Force over
the din of The Van Aken Market Hall on a recent afternoon. He would soon
be off to that evening’s meeting, one of three advisory boards and selection
committees on which he serves.
If a career could be made selecting public art, that likely would suit
David well. An artist himself, he has experienced both being on advisory
committees and submitting his work for competitions. Prior to the formation
of the Public Art Task Force, he participated in the selection of the Avalon
Orchard Art Fence, the Trumpet Flower on the Kenyon Walkway, and the
Cloud Monoliths on Lee Road.
David’s exposure to art started at a young age. “I was taking classes at
the Cleveland Museum of Art when I was just a little kid, so it started there.”
He also has a love of photography and architecture, which is his actual career.
David bridges both the academic and professional worlds, sharing his
passion for design, allowing each to reflect and infuse the other. He is an
architect at Weber Murphy Fox where his projects have included buildings
at Baldwin-Wallace, Cleveland State University, and most recently the LGBT
Community Center of Greater Cleveland in the Gordon Square Arts District.
He is also an adjunct professor, teaching at Kent State University for over 15
years and serving as the school’s Global Education Coordinator.
Despite the busy schedule, David brings a well-defined perspective to the
Task Force and its work selecting artists and art works. “The voice that I bring
is really to question: do we have the right amount of entries, do we have the
right entries, let’s not just do it to do it. Things that have multiple layers and
meaning are the things that I’m particularly interested in.”
Public input is also something David is focused on, from reading the
hundreds of comments on upcoming selections to seeing how residents
interact with the work once it’s completed. “What’s really great is that people
are noticing public art, they’re using it, they’re reacting to it,” he says. “I’m
really honored to be part of the committee.”
Photos by Green Street Studio
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