Title
Proclamation for National Historic Preservation Month and Presentation of Preservation Awards
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Honor Ira Coyne with the 2014 Preservation Award as recommended by the Olympia Heritage Commission.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize Ira Coyne with the 2014 Preservation Award
Report
Issue:
The Olympia Heritage Commission recommends Ira Coyne for the annual Preservation Award and will present the award at tonight's City Council meeting.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Sadlier, Association Planner & Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Holly Davies, Chair of the Olympia Heritage Commission
Notified: Award Recipient Ira Coyne
Background and Analysis:
As part of national Historic Preservation Month events in May, the Olympia Heritage Commission reviews nominations and selects one or more recipients for its annual Preservation Award, which honors the people and projects which demonstrate excellence in historic preservation in Olympia. Each year, the Olympia City Council honors the recipient(s) of the award at one of its regularly scheduled meetings. This year, the Olympia Heritage Commission has selected local artist Ira Coyne to receive the Historic Preservation Award.
The Olympia Heritage Commission selected Ira Coyne for this award for his significant contributions to the historical craft of sign making and the art of mural painting in our City. His commitment to hand-crafting signs such as those for Olympia Supply, Snip, and West Olympia Food Coop carries on an important local heritage trade, which in many places has been lost to mass manufacturing and low-cost assembly. Ira was one of the artists featured in the nationally-released documentary and book titled, Sign Painters. As described in the project's website, "these vanguards of unseen originality are leading a renaissance with a keen creative purpose and exemplify the working class American success story. Sign Painters celebrates those keeping the tradition intact with a bespoke approach and appreciation for a balance between art and commerce."
Ira Coyne's signs and murals display not only his artistry but also his appreciation for history. His evocative murals like "Paddle to Squaxin" and "Rebecca Howard: Pacific Hotel & Restaurant" capture the cultural and historical significance of our community. Ira's work complements and enhances Olympia's historic environment and contributes to the City's unique sense of place.
Financial Impact:
None.