To: Members of the Public Art Commission
From: Maia Aman, Town Liaison
Title
Groovy Peace Sign
Body
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Executive Summary
Over the past year or so, the Public Art Commission has discussed potential options for addressing the damage of Tribal Jam, the sculpture located near the skate park at Metzler Ranch Community Park.
Tribal Jam was commissioned by the Town’s Pubic Art Commission in 2003 through artist Rik Sargent. The artwork was selected by the Commission, which included three totem sculptures along with concrete reliefs covering approximately 150 linear feet of wall along the skate park. The project was unveiled as part of the park’s grand opening celebration. In total, the Town paid $20,000 for the artworks, plus an additional $22 per linear foot of wall for the relief work, no less than $7,722.
Overtime, landscaping has overtaken the totems and two have been removed. It us unknown by staff as to the general timeframe of the removal or rational behind the removal. The remaining sculpture has also experienced significant damage, likely from water erosion and its inner casing is presently exposed to elements via a hole that sits near its top.
Options the Commission has considered are two either restore the sculpture through its Maintenance and Conservation Program or to deaccession the sculpture, which would permanently remove the piece from the Town’s Public Art Collection. If the sculpture was removed, it could potentially be replaced with a new sculpture.
An artwork proposed as an option for replacement in the past has included Groovy Peace Sign, created by artist Terry Malesky. This piece is presently featured in the Douglas County Art Encounters Programs in Highlands Ranch and is listed for a purchase price of $8,500. If purchased while in the program, the Commission would receive a 15% discount, reducing the price to $7,225. A photo of the sculpture is attached for reference.
Staff recommend that the Commission begin to discuss the potential purchase of the sculpture as it is presently available and advertised in the program. If Groovy Peace Sign is liked in general, it could be considered for purchase for placement elsewhere as well.
Adjacent to the park are the Renaissance Elementary and Secondary Schools, as well as the Early Childhood Center. Across the street are the Black Feather Apartments. There are four baseball fields, two pavilions, a playground and two incline hockey courts at Metzler Ranch Community Park. The park experiences high visitation due to the skate park and sports programming.
Attachments
Attachment A - Contract
Attachment B - Site Photos
Attachment C - Groovy Peace Sign