This foundational session introduces artists to the balancing act of fabrication planning. Participants will walk through key considerations that influence how a public artwork is developed—including site constraints, timeline, budget, materials, safety, and client needs. Using real-world examples, we’ll explore how early decisions can dramatically shape a project’s direction and success. Rather than prescribing specific materials or methods, this session offers a flexible decision-making framework that artists can apply to any project, helping them identify trade-offs, anticipate challenges, and make informed, creative choices.
Chris Dyson is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Dyson & Womack, a Los Angeles–based public-art consulting and fabrication firm. With over 20 years of experience co-owning and managing successful cultural consulting and public art fabrication and production companies, he leads projects that bridge artistic vision, community priorities, and lasting civic impact. Under his leadership, Dyson & Womack has become a recognized platform for commissioning, planning, and developing public artworks that shape inclusive cultural infrastructure statewide.