HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelection - Art Piece for Vacant Art PadCITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: SELECT EITHER "DESERT MELODIES" OR "ASCENSION' FOR
PURCHASE FROM THE 2011/2012 EL PASEO INVITATIONAL
EXHIBITION FOR PLACEMENT ON THE VACANT ART PAD ON EL
PASEO JUST WEST OF HIGHWAY 74
SUBMITTED BY: Deborah L. Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator
DATE: June 14, 2012
CONTENTS: Photographs of "Desert Melodies", "Ascension", and vacant pad
Recommendation
By Minute Motion: Select either "Desert Melodies" or "Ascension" for
purchase from the 2011/2012 El Paseo Invitational Exhibition for
placement on the vacant art pad on El Paseo just west of Highway 74.
Funds are available in Account Number 436-4650-454-4001.
Commission Recommendation
At its meeting of May 16, 2012, the Art in Public Places Commission reviewed potential
sculptures for purchase from the 2011/2012 El Paseo Invitational Exhibition and unanimously
selected "Desert Melodies" as its first choice and "Ascension" as its second choice for
purchase and permanent placement.
Background
The City of Palm Desert frequently purchases artwork from its El Paseo Invitational Exhibitions
because it adds to the beauty of the City, prestige of the collection, and serves an incentive to
potential exhibitors. Before applying to the Exhibition, artists frequently ask if the City
purchases a sculpture from the exhibition, and they are always more interested in exhibiting
when they know there is potential for a purchase. It is budgeted in fiscal year 2011/2012 to
purchase one of the sculptures from the Exhibition. Staff has selected an existing vacant art
pad on El Paseo west of Highway 74 as an appropriate location of placement of the selected
piece. This location was selected because it continues the art corridor created by the El Paseo
Invitational Exhibition westward to Highway 111 on El Paseo. The pad is vacant because it
was created for a temporary sculpture that was removed several years ago. The City Council
is being asked to select just one of the sculptures for purchase.
Staff Report
Purchase from the El Paseo Invitational Exhibition
Page 2 of 2
June 14, 2012
"Desert Melodies" is valued at $20,000, but the artist has offered it to the City at a reduced
price of $15,000, exclusive of taxes. The cost of "Ascension" is $14,000, exclusive of taxes.
Fiscal Analysis
Funds are available in Account Number 436-4650-454-4001. Funds come from the Art in
Public Places account; no general fund money will be expended for the public artwork.
Submitted by: CITY COUNCIL*TIO rN
APPROVED DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
l.fTTTi1l� T lTT A
Deborah L. Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator AYES: rnma
NOES: ,.,_..Y%E'r _.._...�....
Department Head: ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VERII;IED BY: qS
Original on File with Cit Jerk's Office
* Selected "Ascension"
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development 3-2(Finerty, Spiegel NO)
Approval:
Paul Gibson, Director of Finance
Jop(ryM. Wohlmuth, City Manager
POTENTIAL SCULPTURES FOR PURCHASE
"Desert Melodies"
by Nancy Mooslin
"Ascension"
by Brian Carlson
PAD WHERE SCULPTURE WILL BE INSTALLED