STAFF REPORT
Planning and Development
Committee, May 14, 2008
Consideration of Accepting a Donation of a Sculpture
(PR08-27)
Consideration
of accepting the donation of the sculpture “Ecclesiastes (War Wagon)” by artist
Phil Alan Simpson
Speaker: Ms. Denise Dickens
From: Mary
G. Henderson, Director, PRCR
Prepared by: Denise Dickens, Public Art Coordinator
Approved by: William B. Coleman, Jr., Town Manager
Approved by: Benjamin T. Shivar, Assistant Town Manager
Cary Visual Art and the Friends of Page-Walker are offering the sculpture Ecclesiastes (War Wagon), by Boerne, Texas artist Phil Alan Simpson, to the Town of Cary’s Public Art Collection for permanent placement on the grounds at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center. Cary Visual Art and the Friends of Page-Walker have partnered to purchase the art from the artist. The artwork has been on temporary display at the Page-Walker for the last year. The Friends of Page-Walker initiated this partnership and expressed their desire to have this sculpture permanently displayed at this prominent location so that it will continue to have significant public exposure due to the community use of the Page-Walker.
The artist, Phil Alan Simpson, has been living in Boerne, Texas since 1984. He has spent over 25 years teaching art in an academic college setting and currently serves as an adjunct professor at San Antonio College. A nationally renowned artist, his work has been exhibited throughout the United States. Ecclesiastes (War Wagon) is a cast iron and steel sculpture measuring 20’ x 5’ x 7’.
CVA brought this opportunity to the Town’s Public Art Advisory Board (PAAB) at its regular Board meeting. The Public Art Policy provides the following criteria in reviewing acceptance or rejection of a gift:
1. Relationship and appropriateness to the immediate location (architecturally, topographical and landscaping, scale, materials and other site specific limitations and physical attributes)
2. Long-term durability and maintenance
3. Safety (conformance to structural and fabrication standards and applicable safety codes) and liability
4. Installation costs, site preparation costs and insurance considerations
5. Local community standards, social factors and public response
6. Quality, aesthetic and design standards
7. Objectives of project
8. Accessibility and quantity of public contact with the artwork and site
9. Diversity in artwork types, styles and distribution
10. Public art project priority plan for locations and type of artwork
The Public Art Advisory Board reviewed the proposed donation of artwork at its April 16, 2008 meeting and voted to recommend the Town accept the piece for permanent placement at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center.
Fiscal Impact: Minimal maintenance requirements are anticipated. It will require semi-annual inspection and cleaning. All materials are durable and low maintenance. The steel is meant to develop a rust patina over time. Only the flags will need painting within 5-10 years with a durable exterior metal paint. A local metal artist/conservator estimates that annual treatment of the artwork could range between $175-$225 if treated by an outside contractor and not the Town’s Public Works Department.
The sculpture is valued at $14,000. The artwork would be added to the Town’s Fine Arts Insurance listing with a financial impact of $140 per year at the current rate of coverage.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that Council accept the Public Art Advisory Board’s recommendation to accept the donation of sculpture from Cary Visual Art and Friends of Page-Walker and direct staff to secure permanent placement at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center.
