AUSTEN BRANTLEY
and his team are delighted to present
Withstanding the Tides
Artist contact information:
[email protected]
248.825.9330
Project contact information:
[email protected]
248.535.0521
2 Table of Contents
Preliminary Design Concept. p 3
Materials. p 5
Design Narrative. p 6
Care and Conservation Summary. p 7
Budget. p 8
Schedule. p 9
Work Plan. p 10
3 Preliminary Design Concept
Withstanding the Tides
A black family at the beach.
A father and mother with two young boys
Five feet of bronze and 4 feet of stone
Totaling nine feet in height
Bronze near the ocean works best with an
internal steel structure (not shown, determined
by foundry)
Previous works shown to reflect on-going
inspiration, textures, scale, and scope of
concept for this project
Maquette to follow virtually on October 2, 2025
Austen’s Power in the Struggle, 2024
Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
Montgomery, AL
Historic Bruce’s Beach
Austen’s Boy Holds Flower, 2021
East Canfield Pavilion Park, Detroit, MI
4 770 pounds (bronze) + 360 pounds (granite base) = 1,130 pounds (weights are approximate)
Nighttime views:
If chosen, Austen will work with local engineers
and lighting vendors, potentially ones used in
previous projects with the City of Manhattan
Beach, to determine electrical placement.
Suggested location and type of lighting:
Lights can be installed flush with the ground
centered in the six inches of concrete
surrounding the plinth.
5 Materials
Bronze, acrylic bronze patina (classic French finish), granite base, concrete pad Additional Materials: Steel beams used for installation, internal steel structure, stone adhesive, rods, and bolts
Mother and Child (shown right),
2025, Madison, WI
Finished with a classic French
patina
Elizabeth Hamer Memorial, 2024
Royal Oak, MI
Photograph from unveiling to
show possibilities in landscaping.
Black Galaxy Granite
Natural, matte texture
Granite base is a box in five parts
filled with concrete
6 Design Narrative
My bronze sculpture depicts a black family at peace on
Bruce’s Beach, symbolizing their journey of rebuilding
and reclaiming their legacy. The sculpture captures a
moment of tranquility and unity, as the family
members are seen engaging with one another in
harmonious moments of relaxation and connection.
The adult figures in the sculpture exude a sense of
contentment and serenity, basking in the warmth of
the sun and hearing t he soothing sounds of crashing
waves. The children play and build sand castles
representing the construction of black future.
The artwork serves as a powerful representation of
the resilience and strength of the black community,
highlighting their ability to find solace and peace
despite facing historical and ongoing challenges, at
Bruce’s Beach and beyond. The use of bronze as the
medium for this sculpture adds depth and
endurance to its message since bronze, a copper
alloy, is known for its durability and resistance to
atmospheric corrosion. Its ability to withstand the
test of time reflects the enduring spirit of black
families and their determination to rebuild and
preserve their legacy.
I hope for the opportunity to create this ephemeral family moment in a lasting sculpture such that all visitors who come to Bruce’s Beach can feel welcome, safe and at peace in its presence, amidst the gorgeous and timeless backdrop of the sea.
7 Care and Conservation Summary
Costs for care, conservation, and periodic service for this statue are designed and expected to be minimal. This design is particularly accessible and well-suited for cleaning because it is only four feet high (atop a three-foot base). Here is an example of a yearly maintenance schedule for cleaning a bronze statue:
Monthly:
• Dusting: Use a soft -bristled brush or a dusting cloth to gently remove loose dust and debris from the statue's surface.
Quarterly:
• Mild soap cleaning: Mix a solution of mild soap (pH-neutral) and distilled water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and gently wipe down the statue. Avoid using abrasive materials or scrubbers.
• Rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue.
Annually (recommendations for statues near the ocean):
• Deep cleaning: Use a gentle bronze cleaning solution (follow manufacturer's instructions) to remove any stubborn grime or patina buildup. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and dry with a soft cloth. • Wax application: Apply a high -quality, neutral-pH wax (specifically designed for bronze) to protect the statue from environmental elements. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and buffing (approximately $2,000 each time).
• Patina evaluation: Inspect the statue's patina (natural aging process) and determine if any additional maintenance or restoration is needed (approximately $500/hour each time).
As Needed:
• Spot cleaning: Address any spills, splatters, or stains promptly using a gentle cleaning solution and soft cloth.
• Restoration: If the statue suffers from significant damage, corrosion, or wear, consider consulting a professional conservator or restorer.
Tips:
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or high -pressure washes, as these can damage the bronze or disrupt the patina.
• Consider applying a clear coat or wax to protect the statue from environmental elements. • Regular maintenance can help prevent damage and reduce the need for costly restorations.
Keep in mind that specific cleaning and maintenance requirements may vary depending on the statue's environment, location, and type of bronze used. If unsure, consult a professional conservator or restorer for personalized guidance.
8 Budget
PROJECTED LINE ITEM PROJECTED COST
Artist fee (including design, prototyping) $35,000
Armature and clay model fabrication $7,000
Modeling fee – potentially local models $5,000
Wax mold making and bronze casting (including internal engineering) $76,000 Storage, crating, and shipping $20,000
Travel $7,000
Insurance and taxes $5,000
Contingency (surplus to be awarded to artist) $20,000
Total budget for project: $175,000
A separate pool of approximately $ 20,000 in funds should be gathered to cover engineering, permits, the sculptural base, and installation including security cameras. Typically, Austen requires 50% of the budget upfront to initiate the project; 25% is due at completion of the clay model (see Schedule and Work Plan); the final 25% is due upon completion of the bronze and granite base, before delivery and installation.
9 Schedule
October 2, 2025: Final presentations (virtual).
November 1, 2025: Finalist announced, contracting and any design revisions begin.
December 1, 2025 : Final design approved (from sketches and/or maquette) and contracts are signed. C lay modeling and base/foundation discussions begin.
April 1, 2026: Approximately four months are needed for Austen to complete the clay model, which needs to be 3D-scanned in the studio and delivered to Michigan Art Castings, Austen’s preferred foundry. Our vendor needs about three weeks to prepare the scans for 3D-printing, which are used at the foundry.
October 15, 2026: The foundry has projected about six months to c omplete the full-service mold-making and bronze casting (with Austen’s participation and supervision) . The artwork will be ready for delivery as a single bronze piece. By this time, the City of Manhattan Beach has completed site preparations and the base is also ready for delivery.
November 1, 2026: The bronze statue is delivered and secured on its base, which has been installed at least one day before.
This sample projected timeline completes the project in approximately one year.
10 Work Plan
Austen designs and completes the clay model in-house, typically alone. Below please find a list of our preferred accredited vendors and how they have worked with Austen and his studio in the past:
Vendor: Mike Hall at Preferred Technologies LLC
Key milestone: completion of clay model
Responsibilities: 3D-scanning and file preparation
Address: 4631 Walton Blvd, Waterford MI 48329
Vendor: Thomas Mueller at Express Prototyping LLC
Key milestone: completion of clay model
Responsibilities: 3D-printing the work in parts for use at the foundry Address: 69235 Powell Road, Romeo, MI 48065
Vendor: Michigan Art Castings
Key milestone: fabrication
Responsibilities: full-service bronze casting (with Austen’s participation and oversight) Address: 205 Mill Street, Leslie, MI 49251
Vendor: Granite Source of Michigan
Key milestone: installation
Responsibilities: base fabrication
Address: 26530 Eight Mile W, Southfield, MI 48033
Vendor: Craters & Freighters
Key milestones: fabrication and logistics
Responsibilities: crating and local shipping
Address: 1341 Wanda Street, Ferndale, MI 48220
Vendor*: Art Pack Services, Inc (now part of UOVO’s nationwide network) Key milestones: shipping and installation
Responsibilities: deliver and install the base and the statue at the project site Address: 24650 Crestview Court, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-1504 * It is likely that a local vendor can be sourced through UOVO’s existing contacts or perhaps a vendor previously used by the City of Manhattan Beach.
The images on the following page demonstrate some of the steps described in the Schedule and Work Plan.
11 Armature making
Clay modellng
3-D Scanning
Silicone rubber mold-
making
Wax refinement
Pouring the bronze
Delivery
Installation