Title
Approval of an Ordinance Authorizing Acceptance of a Donation of “Life is Water” as a Gift of Art from the West Olympia Rotary Club
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Olympia Arts Commission recommends approving the ordinance accepting the donation of “Life is Water,” a sculpture by artist Taylor Krise, to be installed at West Bay Park.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading, an ordinance authorizing acceptance of a Donation of “Life is Water” as a gift of art from the West Olympia Rotary Club.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an ordinance authorizing an agreement to accept donation of “Life is Water” as a gift of art from West Olympia Rotary Club on second reading.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program & Planning Supervisor, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
For their 50th anniversary, the West Olympia Rotary Club proposed the gift of a permanent sculpture by local Salish artist Taylor Wily Krise to be placed at West Bay Park. The West Olympia Rotary Club was the major contributor to the park’s Rotary Point overlook, and so the location is of significance to them.
On January 23, the City Council approved the proposed gift of art “Life is Water,” as a donation to the City Public Art Collection and directed staff to place on a future consent calendar an ordinance approving acceptance of the donation and gift of art agreement.
Climate Analysis:
The artwork itself addresses the environment, as the proposal reads “The carving will feature various marine creatures, such as salmon, starfish, octopus and shellfish and other marine life and emphasizing their dependence on clean water for their survival. Additionally, it will showcase the interplay between the marine ecosystem and the broader natural environment. The educational component will be tailored to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and inspiring positive change.”
Equity Analysis:
Salish art is not currently well-represented in the City’s art collection. Future development of West Bay Park has been a collaborative process with the Squaxin Island Tribe, and as such, this artwork proposal reinforces established partnerships at the site.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The West Olympia Club members are raising funds to cover the cost of the donation.
Financial Impact:
The donated artwork and installation are valued at an estimated $45,000, which will be incurred by the West Olympia Rotary. The City will provide a recognition plaque, estimated at $300.
Options:
1. Approve on second reading, the ordinance accepting the West Olympia Rotary Club donation of “Life is Water” sculpture.
2. Do not approve the ordinance and do not accept the gift of art donation.
3. Consider the ordinance at another time.
Attachments:
Ordinance
Agreement
Proposal