BACKGROUND:
On December 8, 2021, City Council approved a Public Art Commission (PAC) recommendation to commission and place three “Galaxy” kinetic globes (Works). These unique Works were hand-built by nationally recognized kinetic artist Lyman Whitaker.
The Works were installed at the entrance of the Downtown amphitheater in Q2 2022.
Approved at a cost not to exceed $31,490, this acquisition is one of the two most expensive works in recent history initiated by the PAC. The 18-work Bringas Bridge installation was the most expensive recent art project, costing just over $44,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
Wind-driven kinetic art is precisely balanced. This precise balance allows kinetic art to effortlessly rotate, even in the slightest of breezes. While the Works are made of steel, the precisely balanced nature of kinetic art makes these types of art works susceptible to potentially irreparable damage if dropped or forcefully struck.
The Works were mounted eleven feet off the ground to discourage even the most athletic admirers from attempting to hit, grab, or hang on the Works.
Four large landscaping rocks were placed in front of the works to reduce the potential of vehicle strikes. While the four large rocks were a good start, there are still gaps which allow direct vehicular access to the two of the three poles holding up the Works. The attached photos illustrate the easy access a vehicle has to the mounting poles.
To protect the City’s investment in these beautiful Works, in March 2023, the Public Arts Commission voted to recommend to Council the installation of additional landscaping rocks at a cost not to exceed $750.
Once authorized by the Council, the additional rock(s) will be installed within 30 days.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the additional landscaping rock will not exceed $750. There is approximately $128,000 available for art acquisition/installation in the Art in Public Places fund.