Title
Art in Public Places Board Recommendation for Public Artwork in Fuller Lodge, "The Boys of Pajarito Plateau", by Jeff Segler.
Recommended Action
I move that the Council approve the use of Art in Public Places funds and the APPB's recommendation for public art in Fuller Lodge, including the purchase, delivery and installation over the secondary fireplace of Fuller Lodge of the painting entitled, "The Boys of Pajarito Plateau" by artist Jeff Siegler, to include contingencies, such as lighting and plaques with a total proposed budget not to exceed $70,000.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the expenditure from Art in Public Places funds as requested.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Art in Public Places Board recommends Council approval of the proposed artwork and proposed expenditure. At the June 2020 board meeting, the Art in Public Places Board voted 3-1 to recommend this purchase.
Body
Section 8-32 of the Los Alamos County Code of Ordinances speaks to the powers and duties of the Art in Public Places Board (APPB). Part of their powers are to "recommend to the council the acquisition of works of art for county-owned facilities," as well as to "recommend to the council the public sites selected for the display of such art."
The APPB recommends purchase of "The Boys of the Pajarito Plateau," a 36" tall oil painting (Attachment A) by Santa Fe artist Jeff Segler, to be placed above the secondary fireplace in Fuller Lodge (Attachment B).
Jeff Segler has the distinction of being the official artist for the Boy Scouts of America--a position held by only two previous artists, including Norman Rockwell. He approached the Board with a concept for a painting to depict the early Scouts of Troop 22, who were the first Boy Scout troop of the Los Alamos Ranch School (LARS). The painting uses authentic details, such as uniforms and horse tack, and is in a style reminiscent of the Taos Colony of Artists, which was popular at the time of LARS.
Segler originally proposed a 72" x 55" vertical oil painting to be hung above the main fireplace in the Pajarito Room of Fuller Lodge. APPB recognizes that Fuller Lodge is an important community space that is used for a wide variety of events, and after soliciting feedback from the public, the APPB worked with the artist to adjust the dimensions and location of the piece to what is now recommended.
Alternatives
Council can reject the recommendations and direct the APPB to continue looking for artwork for Fuller Lodge.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/New Item
The funds for this recommendation will come from the Art in Public Places fund. There are sufficient funds in the expenditure budget totaling $602,900 in the account to cover the recommended purchase and estimate contingency amount. The APPB staff liaison will oversee the contract/purchase agreement.
Attachments
A - Photo of ”The Boys of the Pajarito Plateau”
B - Photo of Proposed Location
C - Presentation - Segler Painting