Staff recommends that Council select an art piece for purchase.

Artscape, a public art on loan program, continues to create excitement for the downtown.  Attached as reference is the brochure for 2021 that marked the 5th annual public art downtown with 15 pieces.  Additionally, the City was able to keep 2 pieces for extended display combined with the City's purchase of 9 pieces for a total of 26 pieces downtown!  The goal of the program is to slowly build the City's inventory of public art to create more vibrancy and interest while continuing the rotation of art on loan annually.

Staff recommends that Council select an art piece from the 2021 program to purchase. The 2021 People's Choice Award was presented to Cie Hoover for his piece, Balance in the Fray ($1,000).  The Art Committee also voted on pieces  to recommend to City Council for purchase. Under the Lovers Moon by AJ Davis ($7,840) was ranked first, with Side by Each by Charlotte Zink ($7,200) was ranked second, and Satos Horse by Jim Johnson ($24,000) was ranked third.  Since the City receives a 20% commission, the cost for each piece is reduced by 20% (prices shown already reduced by 20%).

The carryover from the 2021 art budget can allow up to $11,623 to purchase art.  Whatever Council does not spend can be saved in the art budget to be put towards future purchases. 

The City Attorney will be present for any questions.

The City's Artscape program has created excitement around public art and has served to enhance the downtown.  By purchasing art every year, the City can build on its inventory of art.