During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the restoration and maintenance of public art pieces, highlighting two significant projects: the repair of a damaged crane statue and the upkeep of the Nature Center sculpture, \"Flower of Flight.\"
The crane statue, located on the second floor, was damaged and required replacement. The artist, based in Suriros, provided a new version made from stainless steel, which is more durable than the original material. The replacement cost was $1,616, and a custom display case is being created to secure the statue. The case, costing $280, is expected to arrive soon, allowing the statue to be displayed safely in its original location by the end of October. The community has shown interest in the statue's return, with many inquiring about its status.
In addition, discussions centered on the \"Flower of Flight\" sculpture, which has faced criticism for appearing dirty. The artist, Greg Reich, emphasized the intentionality behind the sculpture's design, which incorporates natural growth as part of its aesthetic. Instead of cleaning the piece, officials plan to install an educational plaque to inform the public about its purpose and the artist's vision. Reich has agreed to provide a statement for the plaque, which will be coordinated with local educational displays.
Lastly, the meeting addressed the need for an indoor art maintenance solution. Currently, there is no dedicated service for cleaning and maintaining indoor artworks. Officials are awaiting a report from Pacific Coast, the company responsible for outdoor art maintenance, to explore potential solutions for indoor art care.
These discussions reflect a commitment to preserving public art and enhancing community engagement through education and maintenance efforts.