HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.1 Gail SculptureCITY CLERK
FILE # 900-50
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 6, 2001
SUBJECT:
"GAIL" Sculpture
Report by Bonnie Leonard, Recreation Supervisor
ATTACHMENTS: None
RECOMMENDATION;~.-~onsider Replacement of the Sculpture
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: See Discussion Below
DESCRIPTION: In June 1994 the City of Dublin entered into an agreement with the
Dublin Fine Arts Foundation to commission a sculpture for the Civic Center courtyard. Since her
installation in September 1994, "GAIL" has surprised and delighted visitors to the Civic Center. "GAIL"
has sustained damage over the years, whether purposeful or accidental, and has always been repairable.
In January of this year, after seven years of gracing the courtyard, "GAIL" was severely damaged by
vandals. In order to ascertain if the sculpture could be repaired, Staff contacted the artist, Katherine
Keefer. On January 27, Ms. Keefer viewed the damaged piece. She discussed the damage with other
artists before making her decision. The following options were identified:
The broken pieces could be repaired and painted. This process would not include glazing and firing
and would result in an artwork which could no longer be located outside. Ms. Keefer recommended
placing the sculpture on a small bench inside the Civic Center. The cost of repairing would be
$500.00. Construction and installation of the bench would be an additional cost. The City's art
consultant recommends against this option.
Glue the sculpture together and have it bronzed. The piece could then be mounted on the bench where
it resided prior to the vandalism. This process would result in a sturdier, less vandal prone piece of
art, however, it would totally change the character of the sculpture. Cost: $20,000.
Create a new sculpture using' clay over a reinforced base. The figure would have the same life-like
appearance as the original "GAIL" and would be located where the original sculpture resided. The
metal reinforcing would provide for a more secure piece, however, the outer clay finish would still be
prone to breakage by vandals. Cost: $2500.00.
4. Make no repairs to the broken sculpture.
Due to the enormous popularity of the life-like "GAIL" sculpture it is the recommendation of Staff that
the City Council consider option number three and direct Staff to commission Katherine Keefer to create a
new sculpture that provides for additional structural reinforcement. If the City Council concurs with
COPIES TO:
G:\Hrtg Cult Art Comm\CouncilX3-06-01 gail.doc
Katherine Keefer
ITEM NO.
Staffs recommendation, an agreement with the artist and a Budget Change will be brought before the
Council at a later date.