Title
Approval of Recommendation from the Art in Public Places Board to Deaccession the Broken Wind Sculpture “Split Infinity” by Artist Mark White and to Accept “Blooming Lily 3 Medium” as a Replacement at No Cost to the County
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the Art in Public Places Board’s recommendation to deaccession the broken wind sculpture “Split Infinity” by artist Mark White from the Los Alamos County Public Art Collection, and further approve the acceptance of “Blooming Lily 3 Medium” as a replacement at no cost to the County.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Art in Public Places Board voted at its May 28, 2026, regular meeting to recommend that the County Council deaccession the broken wind sculpture “Split Infinity” by artist Mark White from the Los Alamos County Public Art Collection and accept “Blooming Lily 3 Medium” as a replacement artwork at no cost to the County.
Body
In 2018, the Art in Public Places Board (APPB) received a donation from community member Charles Bowman, who contributed $9,500 for the purchase of a kinetic wind sculpture by Santa Fe artist Mark White. The donation was made in memory of his late wife, Nona Bowman, a former County Councilor and former Chair of the Art in Public Places Board. To honor her service and long-standing efforts to improve the community’s appearance, APPB recommended that Council accept the donation and additionally approve the purchase of two companion kinetic sculptures to create a coordinated three-piece installation. The resulting installation included “Split Infinity” along with its two companion pieces, forming the kinetic grouping currently located outside the Mesa Public Library.
In January 2023, County staff contacted the Mark White Studio regarding structural failures of “Split Infinity.” The studio determined that the sculpture’s center rod and bearings required replacement and provided new components along with a recommendation to lower the pole due to wind-tolerance limitations inherent to the design. While the replacement parts were installed, the recommended pole-height reduction was not completed.
In early 2026, the sculpture experienced another significant break. County staff renewed communication with the Mark White Studio, now operating as Luca Décor following the artist’s retirement and sale of the studio, providing updated photographs and historical records. After reviewing the material, the studio confirmed that “Split Infinity” has since been discontinued and that repeated structural failure indicates the piece is not suitable for its current wind exposure or installation height. The studio advised against further repair.
To maintain the integrity of the original three-piece kinetic grouping, the studio recommended replacing “Split Infinity” with a current kinetic sculpture of similar scale and visual compatibility, specifically the “Blooming Lily 3 Medium”. The existing pole can remain in place, and the damaged “Split Infinity” components may be recycled for usable frame materials. As a one-time accommodation, the studio has offered to provide the replacement sculpture at no cost if the County transports the damaged artwork to the studio in Santa Fe and retrieves the replacement piece once it is ready. County staff are prepared to handle both delivery and pickup.
To proceed with this exchange, the “Split Infinity” sculpture must first be formally deaccessioned from the County’s Art in Public Places collection and “Blooming Lily 3 Medium” must be formally accepted as a new acquisition to replace the discontinued sculpture within the original commemorative installation. Completing these actions will allow the County to move forward with the no-cost exchange and preserve the integrity of the community-recognized kinetic trio that honors the legacy of former Councilor Nona Bowman.
Alternatives
The County Council could not approve the recommendation, and request APPB find another solution.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
There is no fiscal impact associated with this deaccession and acquisition. If approved, County staff will exchange the broken “Split Infinity” for the new “Blooming Lily 3 Medium” and install it on the existing pole.
Attachments
A - Decommission Report for “Split Infinity”
B - Image of “Split Infinity”
C - Image of “Blooming Lily 3 Medium”