Commission tables anonymous walking-stick donation after debate over folk-art status and provenance

The Flower Mound Historical Commission voted to table a proposed donation of a walking stick made from wood reportedly taken from the Guadalupe River flood. Commissioners debated whether the object fits the commission’s collecting mission and flagged missing provenance.

J. P. Walton explained the item was a donation (not a loan) that had been discussed at a prior meeting and was returned for further review. Peggy Riddle, representing the Denton County Office of History and Culture, said the walking stick could qualify as folk art — a category that includes found-object work and locally created pieces — and presented examples of recognized folk-art practitioners and collections to illustrate the category.

Several commissioners questioned the connection between the object and Flower Mound if the wood did not originate locally. One commissioner said the donor’s identity matters to preserve the story; several commissioners recommended asking the anonymous donor whether they would allow their name to accompany the item to preserve provenance. Others suggested consulting the Arts Commission before accepting items described as art. Commissioners voted to table the donation to allow staff to seek additional provenance information and to consult relevant partners; the motion passed by roll call.