Title
Approval of the 2026 Plinth Project Sculptures for Exhibition
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Council Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommended sculptures for the 2026 Percival Plinth Project Exhibition.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the recommended sculptures for the 2026 Percival Plinth Project Exhibition.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Commission Staff Liaison
Kathy Dorgan, Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
The Percival Plinth Project began in 2011 and annually hosts loaned sculpture for an exhibition of one year along Percival Landing. During the month of July, the public is invited to vote for the sculpture they recommend the City purchase. Each year the winning sculpture moves to the front of City Hall for an additional year and then into permanent exhibition somewhere in the community. To date, 16 sculptures have been added to the City's Public Art Collection through this program.
The jury met on January 16 to review 31 submitted sculptures. The jury was comprised of Jonathan Happ, Gallery Director, Childhood's End Gallery, Rene Westbrook, Multimedia artist in sculpture, painting and photography and Katherine Ransom, Olympia Arts Commission.
On February 12, the Arts Commission reviewed the jury's recommendation of fifteen sculptures and moved unanimously to forward the recommendation to City Council for consideration.
Climate Analysis:
While the project does not directly impact climate strategies, having sculptures displayed on Percival Landing encourages use of active forms of travel along the waterfront. Artwork in public spaces promotes a safe, welcoming and walkable city.
Equity Analysis:
Multiple strategies of the project are intended to shift traditional power dynamics of how art is accessed and selected. At its core an outdoor public art exhib...
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