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 ...
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