After a two-year process for the first project by the Norman Public Arts Board, a three-story structure was celebrated by the board Friday.

The piece, called “Indian Grass,” is located in the middle of the roundabout at the intersection of Main Street, Acres Street and Carter Avenue.

“Public art provides many things to a community including a sense of a community, encouraging and reflecting the community. It’s free and accessible to the public and it also shows a thriving arts community, which Norman definitely has,” said Larry Walker, Public Arts Board chairman.

“Indian Grass,” which weighs in at 16 tons of steel and towers over the roundabout at 29 1/2 feet, was commissioned to Juan and Patricia Navarrete of Taos, N.M. The couple was selected by the board from 62 submitted proposals across the world.

“The issues involved were the size and the scope of the piece, meaning the scale in relation to the surroundings. It also had to be a piece that could be observed while driving past. The proposals were to be reflective of central Oklahoma,” Walker said.

The funds were raised by 320 private donations from all over the city for the Public Arts Board and the Norman Arts Council. Those wishing to further public art in the city can make a donation along with their monthly utility bill or direct donations to the Art and Public Places fund, in care of the Arts Council.

“I think it’s a really cool piece. I got to watch the piece be constructed, and it really brings personality to the area without seeming too out of place,” said Terran Loveless, Norman resident.

The Norman Public Arts Board was established by the city in 2007.