Testimonials
OPW, Office of Public Works
Art Management Office, Dublin, Ireland
I am pleased to confirm that Elke Westen was invited to submit proposals for both the State Laboratory, Irishtown Garda Station and Kevin Street District Garda Station and was subsequently commissioned. During this process, Elke was always available for consultation and provided regular updates on the projects. She delivered her work both on time and on budget and dealt with the clients in a very professional manner.
We have acquired or commissioned multiple artworks from Elke Westen for the Irish State Art Collection over the past 17 years.
Elke has also been a member of an OPW selection panel for the commissioning of an art work for the new headquarters of the Department of Defence in Newbridge. Her contribution to the panel was very valuable from an artistic and an arts management point of view.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Elke for any public art commissions she may be considered for in the future.
Ulster Hospital
Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust, Art Procurement Manager Eilís O Baoill
Elke Westen was selected through an open competition to create a new and unique design for the glazed wall within the new Renal Unit at the Ulster Hospital in 2006. Her creativity was matched by her professionalism and we were very pleased with the result which met all our needs and created an outstanding feature and focal point within the main waiting area of the new Renal Unit.
As Art Procurement Manager within the Capital Development Team for the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust I would wholly endorse the working practice of Elke Westen and I would be more than happy to work with her again on future projects. She was able to deal effectively with a range of parties involved in the construction project and to work within time and budgetary constraints to deliver artwork of high quality, setting a high standard for future projects at the Ulster Hospital.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this artist for public artworks with glass.
Patterson Bannon Architects Ltd
Carlow, Ireland
Elke has completed an installation for the Carlow District Credit Union. The piece was completed in what was by all accounts a very tight schedule for the buildings official opening. The required work was finished on time, in budget and with artistic and technical professionalism.
Her professional approach to this complex project made the integration of her work into the final scheme seamless.
Along with the clients we are extremely happy with the completed work and look forward to working with her in future. We have recommended Ms Westen to other clients for future work.
Craft Scotland
Irene Kernan, Director, Edinburgh, Scotland
I am delighted to provide a reference for Elke Westen, who was a member of the Craft Scotland Advisory Group for three years from 2016 to 2019.
The members of our Advisory committee are invited to join based on their experience and respected role within the craft sector. The Group’s role is to inform Craft Scotland’s artistic strategy, and to advise on sector developments and needs to ensure our services remain relevant. In this role, Elke was a valued member of the Group, bringing expertise connected to her own practice and also knowledge of the wider arts sector within Scotland and beyond.
Her commitment and contribution was valued and appreciated by the organisation and her peers on the Group and her warmth and support were a great help to the team.
Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Mary Daly, Estate Manager, Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland
Ms Elke Westen has completed the installation of a major piece of artwork for us. It comprises colourful imaged fired onto glass set in 15 large double-glazed units, set into the glazed curtain of the major circulation area. Ms Westen was commissioned to create the piece following a public procurement procedure. She was shortlisted, along with two other artists, from 140 applications. The Institute is extremely pleased with both the artwork itself and the professional manner in which she executed the commission. I would have no hesitation in recommending Ms Westen for further work.
