Recommendation
The Artist Nomination Committee recommended that James Russell of Lomita, California be awarded the $75,000 art commission for his stainless steel sculpture with a bronze plaque describing William Gibbs story. At their December 16 meeting, the Cultural Arts Commission recommended that Charlotte Lees be awarded the $75,000 art commission for her stainless steel, black plexiglass and polished granite sculpture representing the achievements of William Gibbs. Staff concurs with the recommendation by the Cultural Arts Commission.

Discussion
The Mayor and Council rejected the finalists' proposals for the William Gibbs Art Project in the first selection process, which was concluded on December 10, 2007.

In February 2009, a call for entries was distributed to local, regional and national artists for this art project. Fifteen artists submitted digital images on a CD and biographical information for consideration by the City in June 2009. On June 11, 2009, the Artist Nomination Committee selected three finalists to create a site-specific, public art proposal. The Artist Nomination Committee consisted of John Moser, Carole Butler, and Sezin Williams, Cultural Arts Commissioners; Sharyn Duffin, local historian; Bessie Corbin, former student and teacher, Barbara Talley, United Black Culture Center and Neil Burka, Federal Realty Investment Trust representative.

The finalists presented their site-specific proposals to the Artist Nomination Committee on September 15, 2009. The Committee recommended that James Russell be awarded the $75,000 art commission for his stainless steel sculpture and bronze plaque. The vote was four in favor of the James Russell proposal and three in favor of the Charlotte Lees proposal.

The Cultural Arts Commission reviewed the art proposals and the Artist Nomination Committee's recommendation at their November 18, 2009 meeting. The Cultural Arts Commission requested staff obtain additional information regarding the art proposal by Charlotte Lees, specifically the distance between the three columns. The distance from the front column to the back columns is 6 1/2 feet and the distance between the two back columns is 19 1/2 feet.

At their December 16, 2009 meeting, the Cultural Arts Commission unanimously recommended that Charlotte Lees be awarded the $75,000 art commission for her stainless steel, black plexiglass and polished granite sculpture representing the achievements of William Gibbs.

The art proposals have been on display in the third floor lobby of City Hall since December 16, 2009.

Mayor and Council History
On December 10, 2007, the Mayor and Council rejected the three finalists' proposals from the first selection process. The Mayor and Council appropriated funding for this project in the operating budget.

Public Notification and Engagement
The Artist Nomination Committee includes members of the Cultural Arts Commission and two residents. The call for entries was posted on the City's website. The public was invited to comment on the three finalists' proposals as part of the City Hall display.

Boards and Commissions Review
The Cultural Arts Commission has been involved throughout the entire selection process.

Fiscal Impact
The all-inclusive budget for the William Gibbs Art Project is $75,000. The art project is funded from the Art in Public Places program in the operating budget (350-900-7701-0323). The fund balance in the Art in Public Places program Special Activities Fund account is $565,179 (prior to this award).

Next Steps
Upon approval of the selected artist, contract negotiations will begin between the City and the artist.

Department Head:



Burt Hall, Director of Recreation and Parks
Approved on: 12/24/2009

City Manager:

Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 01/04/2010