Title
Telephone of the Wind Donation
Recommended Action
Move to recommend Telephone of the Wind, by Corey Dembeck to the City Manager as a donation to the City Public Art Collection.
Report
To review updated information regarding the Gift of Art Proposal of Telephone of the Wind to determine whether to recommend donation the City Manager for inclusion in the City’s Public Art Collection. Per the Gift Policy: “If the gift will have substantial community impact, the City Manager, at his discretion, may forward the proposed gift to the Olympia City Council for review and approval.”
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
N/A
Background and Analysis:
At their April 8, 2021 meeting, the Arts Commission reviewed the Gift of Art proposal for
Telephone of the Wind, by Corey Dembeck. The sculpture was placed in Priest Point Park in November 2020, and while not approved in advance, the sculpture has struck a positive chord in the community.
In reviewing Mr. Dembeck's proposal of Telephone of the Wind, Commissioners had concerns about the scale of the structure. At 6 feet across, the sense of discovery and intimacy of the original configuration feels lost and the structure itself could become a greater target for vandalism. Staff was directed to communicate the Commission's concerns to Mr.Dembeck and advise that he can resubmit his proposal. Commissioners also discussed seeing an actual sculpture.
Attached to the staff report is a video from Mr. Dembeck showing the revised design in process for Arts Commission consideration. The dimensions of the revised board are roughly 24 1/2 inches across and 23 inches tall, mounted on a 6 foot tall natural tree limb about 4 1/2 Inches in diameter. The sign is 3 inches lower than the top of the post.
If approved, the panel will hold the telephone and a plaque, provided by the City, with the text:
This phone is for everyone who has lost a loved one.
The phone is an outlet for those who have messages they wish to share with their friends and family.
It is a phone for memories and saying the goodbyes you never got to say.
Dedicated to the memory of Joelle Rose Sylvester. Gift of Corey Dembeck.
City of Olympia Art in Public Places Program, 2021
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This installation has received local and national attention.
Options:
.
1) Recommend the gift of Telephone of the Wind to the City Manager for inclusion in the Public Art Collection.
2) Review gift proposal of Telephone of the Wind and provide feedback for Mr. Dembeck, to amend and return proposal
3) Do not recommend the gift of Telephone of the Wind.
Financial Impact:
City installation and materials estimated at less than $500.
Attachments:
Telephone of the Wind Video Update