Title
Approval of Percival Plinth Project Peoples’ Choice Award 2018
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
the Arts Commission recommends approval of the purchase of “Pig Listening in a Story Place” as recommended by public vote.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve purchase of “Pig Listening in a Story Place” by Nancy-Thorne Chambers for the 2018 Percival Plinth Peoples’ Choice Award, based on public vote
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve purchase of “Pig Listening in a Story Place” by Nancy-Thorne Chambers for the 2018 Percival Plinth Peoples Choice Award, based on public vote.
Staff Contact:
Angel Nava, Arts Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.753.8384
Presenter(s):
Angel Nava, Parks, Arts & Recreation
Stacy Hicks, Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
On August 9, 2018, the Olympia Arts Commission reviewed the results of the 2018 Percival Plinth Peoples’ Choice Award public vote, and moved to recommend the results to City Council for approval.
On March 6, 2018, City Council approved the sculptures recommended by the Arts Commission for the eighth year-long display of loaned sculpture for the Percival Plinth Project. Associated with this exhibition is the public vote known as the Peoples' Choice Award, by which one sculpture is selected for purchase by the City. The period of voting took place from June 22 (with a public kick-off) - July 31, 2018. All loaned sculptures will be returned in spring 2019 and the popularly selected piece will be moved to City Hall for one year before being reinstalled in another Olympia location. This will leave all plinths cleared for another exhibition and competitive process.
Selected Sculpture
For the 2018 Percival Plinth People’s Choice award 631 ballots were cast in the month of July. “Pig Listening in a Story Place” by Nancy-Thorne Chambers took the lead with 210 votes. Honorable mentions were “Pendant Mandala” by Ken Turner with 117 votes, and “Old Man of the Sea” by Sandra Hays with 101 votes.
Voters for “Pig Listening in a Story Place” spoke to it being “well-executed”, and “expertly done”, as well as appreciating its “whimsical” quality. More than a few recommended permanent placement near the library or a local playground where children and families gather.
All sculptures may be viewed at www.olympiawa.gov/plinth <http://www.olympiawa.gov/plinth>
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
59 percent of votes were from Olympia residents and 32 percent from other parts of Washington State. 32 votes were from other US States. In total voters represented over 62 cities from around the world.
Options:
1) Approve purchase of “Pig Listening in a Story Place” as recommended by public vote.
2) Do not approve purchase of “Pig Listening in a Story Place” as recommended by public vote.
3) Provide staff guidance on a different recommendation.
Financial Impact:
Purchase price for the sculpture is $10,000 ($10,000 budgeted), from the Municipal Art Fund.
Attachments:
None