Title
Approval of the 2024 Percival Plinth Project Peoples' Choice Award
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends approval of the purchase of Ember 2 by Karen Sixkiller as determined by public vote.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Arts Commission recommendation to purchase Ember 2 by Karen Sixkiller as determined by public vote.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the purchase of Ember 2 by Karen Sixkiller as determined by public vote.
Staff Contact:
Valerie Roberts, Armory Building Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.753.8468
Presenter(s):
Valerie Roberts, Armory Building Manager, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Kathryn Dorgan, 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 July 1-30, through the City platform Engage Olympia.
On August 8, 2024 Ms. Johnson shared the results of the 2024 Percival Plinth Project Peoples' Choice vote with the Arts Commission, who voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to City Council for approval.
661 votes were received over the course of the voting period. With 109 votes, Ember 2 by Karen Sixkiller took first place in the public vote.
Of the sculpture Ember 2, the artist notes:
This realistic bronze spider peers from a steel web. A red crystal sphere rests in the pot on her back, representing the legendary fire she brought to the mainland in the Cherokee traditional stories. The sculpture is designed to allow light through the red crystal orb from multiple angles and the back as in a set gem, adding interest and pop to the sculpture from all viewing angles. Often called, "Grandmother Spider," she is a reminder of the importance of "the small;" to recognize and respect everyone in our community.
Comments submitted by the public with thei...
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