Title
Approval of the 2022 Percival Plinth Project Peoples’ Choice Award
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends approving the purchase of “Salmon Romance” by Pat McVay and “Underwater Disagreement” by Eileen Lagasse as determined by public vote.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the purchase of “Salmon Romance” by Pat McVay and “Underwater Disagreement” by Eileen Lagasse as determined by public vote.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the purchase of “Salmon Romance” by Pat McVay and “Underwater Disagreement” by Eileen Lagasse as determined by public vote.
Staff Contact:
Angel Nava, Arts Program Specialist, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8384
Presenter(s):
Angel Nava, Arts Program Specialist, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Jim Burlingame, Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
Annually, the first month of the Percival Plinth Project loaned sculpture exhibition is dedicated to a public vote to determine the winner of the Peoples’ Choice Award, which is a purchase prize. The vote took place the month of July, through the City platform Engage Olympia.
On August 11, 2022 Mrs. Nava shared the results of the 2022 Percival Plinth Project Peoples’ Choice vote with the Arts Commission. 522 votes were received, a 30% increase from 2021, and for the first time in the project’s twelve-year history, there was a tie.
With each receiving 80 votes, both “Salmon Romance” by Pat McVay and “Underwater Disagreement” by Eileen Lagasse tied for first place in the public vote.
Commissioners deliberated ways to resolve the tie, including a re-vote among the two winners and making a recommendation to Council of just one sculpture. Staff noted there were sufficient funds in the Municipal Art Fund to purchase both pieces. Without a process in place for the occasion of a tie, Commissioners determined to support the results of the public vote by recommending purchase of both sculptures receiving top votes, and will revisit the process before the next installation of the Percival Plinth Project.
Of the sculpture “Salmon Romance,” the artist notes:
I want to show the amazing energy of these creatures who return to their birthplace to create a new generation. This complex sculpture is carved from a single block of salvaged cedar.
Of the sculpture “Underwater Disagreement,” the artist notes:
Two unrelated projects have become a battle royal in the deep titled “Underwater Disagreement”
Comments submitted by the public with their vote for “Salmon Romance” included:
• “It is fitting for our community and its history with the salmon, but also, it is dynamic and gives a sense of motion, history, and interconnectedness.”
• “Incredible height and presence - every angle was striking. The silver wash made the fish look iridescent - very cool!”
• “Returning salmon is an important piece of our ancestral tribal culture and continues to be celebrated today. Salmon is life.”
Comments submitted by the public with their vote for “Salmon Romance” included:
• “I think it’s a very detailed and clever piece, the use of recycled material is very intriguing and creative. There is clearly a lot of effort put into the sculpture, and it showcases the artistic aspect of Olympia in an incredible way.”
• “The piece reminds me of the things we don't see but know are there. When you see this sculpture by the bay, you are reminded that there is more beneath the surface of your view. Which is kind of a metaphor. Also the piece is just visually interesting!”
• “I like everything about this piece. The artist did a great job capturing an undersea battle, and I look forward to seeing more of her work!”
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public input is solicited through banners, press releases and an online vote.
Options:
1. Approve purchase of “Salmon Romance” by Pat McVay and “Underwater Disagreement” by Eileen Lagasse as winners of the 2022 Percival Plinth People’s Choice vote.
2. Do not approve purchase of “Salmon Romance” by Pat McVay and “Underwater Disagreement” by Eileen Lagasse, and direct the Arts Commission to revisit the recommendation.
3. Make another decision.
Financial Impact:
$15,325 From the Municipal Art Fund
Attachments:
“Salmon Romance” by Pat McVay
“Underwater Disagreement” by Eileen Lagasse