Recommendation
The Cultural Arts Commission recommends the de-accession of "Beacon," based on the deteriorated condition of the sculpture and the high cost to restore the work of art to its original condition. Staff concurs with this recommendation.

Discussion
Tom Ashcraft installed the "Beacon" at the corner of Falls Road and Wootton Parkway in 1988. The all-inclusive budget of $25,000 included the design, fabrication, transportation, site preparation, installation, insurance, artist's fee and all other associated costs for this public art project. The sculpture's condition has deteriorated significantly in recent years, affecting the structural integrity of the piece. At this point it is necessary to either fully restore the sculpture or remove it.

Arts Programs Supervisor Betty Wisda contacted Tom Ashcraft and requested that he schedule a site visit and determine the necessary work required to restore the artwork to its original condition. The artist was asked to submit a cost estimate for the labor and materials required to complete the restoration. Mr. Ashcraft submitted a cost estimate of $21,400 for restoration of the artwork. Jerry Daus, Parks and Facilities Development Manager, and Lew Dronenburg, Facilities Property Manager, reviewed the cost estimates and analyzed the staff's ability to do the restoration work. It was determined that "in-house" cost to restore the sculpture would also be significant.

The cost estimates and the staff input was provide to the Art in Public Places committee , a subcommittee of the Cultural Arts Commission. The committee was informed that the "Beacon" had previous maintenance and repair work including removal of graffiti and replacement of tile over the past 20 years. After reviewing and discussing the cost estimates and staff input, the Art in Public Places Committee recommended the de-accession of the "Beacon," based on its deteriorated condition and the high cost to restore the work of art. The committee presented their recommendation to the Cultural Arts Commission at their June 10, 2009 meeting. The Cultural Arts Commission unanimously concurred with the recommendation by the Art in Public Places committee.

According to the Art In Public Places Master Plan, when a de-accession of a City-owned public artwork is under consideration, the Cultural Arts Commission provides their recommendation the Mayor and Council for their approval. According to the contract between the City and the artist, the City owns the artwork and reserves the right to dispose the artwork if deemed necessary and appropriate. The City notifies the artist regarding their view regarding the disposition of the artwork.

Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council originally approved the procurement of "Beacon" in 1988, as one of the early public art acquisitions following the development of the Art in Public Places Master Plan.

Boards and Commissions Review
The Cultural Arts Commission reviewed and made the above-referenced recommendation at their June 10, 2009 meeting.

Next Steps
Upon approval of the Mayor and Council, City staff will remove and dispose of the work of art. The Cultural Arts Commission is considering a recommendation to develop a call for entries to solicit a replacement public artwork for this location.

Department Head:



Burt Hall, Director of Recreation and Parks
Approved on: 09/11/2009

Assistant City Manager:


Jenny Kimball, Assistant City Manager
Approved on: 09/11/2009

City Manager:

Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 09/11/2009