Title
Recommendation from the Art in Public Places Board for an Expenditure of Art in Public Places Funds in an Amount not to exceed $45,000 to Commission Artists Markow & Norris to Create and Install Woven Glass Sculptures
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the expenditure of APP funds for the purchase of 8 kite-shaped woven glass sculptures from artists Markow and Norris for the fireplace wall in the White Rock Branch Library in an amount not to exceed $45,000 which includes tax, installation, lighting, plaque and a dedication event.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Art in Public Places Board approved this recommendation at their regular meeting on August 23, 2018.
Body
The Art in Public Places Board (APPB) is seeking Council approval to expend Art in Public Places (APP) funds to commission artists Eric Markow and Thom Norris to create colorful woven glass kites for the wall over the fireplace in the White Rock Branch Library.
In early 2018, the Art in Public Places Board (APPB) began evaluating submissions from a public call for art. One of the selected projects was an installation of woven glass kites above the fireplace in the White Rock Branch Library. The woven glass kites were proposed to the Board by a White Rock resident who has long been an admirer of Markow & Norris’ work. This idea was presented to the Library Board and was endorsed by that board. The idea was also presented at a booth at the Farmers Market in May 2018 to solicit public input and it was universally endorsed by citizens who expressed opinions during that event.
A proposal was solicited from Markow and Norris, Inc., a very well recognized pair of artists who pioneered the process of creating woven glass and have presented their works in numerous shows and galleries across the nation. The attachments contain images of examples of woven glass to introduce the artistic possibilities can be achieved with this media. Also attached is an artist’s rendition of how the installation would look (Attachment B).
Description Amount
8 woven glass kites including shipping and installation $36,000
APPB contingency, lighting, dedication ceremony $9,000
Total $45,000
Alternatives
The Council can reject the APPB recommendation
The Council can ask the APPB to develop different recommendations for the White Rock Branch Library
Fiscal and Staff Impact
The funds for the recommended expenditure will come from the Art in Public Places Fund. There are sufficient funds in that account to cover the recommended purchases plus the contingency amount. Any unspent APP money from this project will remain in the APP fund. The APPB staff liaison will oversee the purchasing process and will work with staff from the Public Works Department on the installation aspects of this project.
Attachments
A - Examples of Woven Glass Art
B - Rendering of Possible Placement of Woven Glass Kites on Fireplace Wall