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4.2
ARTS ADVISORY BOARD
STAFF REPORT
TO: Arts Advisory Board May 12, 2021
SUBJECT: Review Proposed Permanent Art Exhibit and Provide Staff with
Feedback and Recommendations
BACKGROUND:
The Danville Parks, Recreation & Arts Strategic Plan Update (Plan) was adopted by the
Town in 2017 establishing a long-range vision and course of action for creating and
sustaining a high quality, interconnected system of parks, recreation and arts facilities,
services, and programs. The Plan includes several strategic recommendations for how to
integrate public art into parks and facilities. Commissioning artworks that interpret local
history or events was identified and determined to be a priority recommendation for the
Arts Advisory Board (AAB) and Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (Commission).
At the January 13, 2021 Arts Advisory Board Meeting the AAB reviewed and discussed
the future of Cultural Arts in the Town including ideas for future temporary and
permanent public art installations. One such idea was the creation and placement of
small bronze, three-dimensional sculptures to be installed in downtown Danville.
Specifically, the idea of bronze acorns was discussed as it pays homage to the iconic Old
Oak Tree which has come to be a symbol of stability and strength in the Town. This idea
did garner support from the AAB and was also discussed briefly at the March 10, 2021,
Joint Council, Commission, and AAB Meeting.
DISCUSSION
Since introducing the proposed permanent art idea, staff has been able to explore and
research some of the elements which would need to be included to move forward with
the exhibit. This outdoor, permanent Public Art Exhibition would pay tribute to the Old
Oak Tree which serves as a natural monument to Danville.
The working title of the proposed exhibit is Acorns of The Old Oak, and a “scattering” of
approximately 10 bronze acorns measuring 6 x 6 x 4 inches in size could be placed
around various locations in the Downtown area at Town owned facilities, historic
building sites, and other locations. This proposed art exhibit is a charming innocuous
way to elevate the Old Oak Tree, its importance to Danville and an unobtrusive way to
engage residents and visitors alike. This exhibit would be a symbol of the history of
Danville, portrayed through a traditional art form. Public artwork of this kind is known
to increase community identity and pride. An exhibit of this nature would also allow
for the creation of related events and programs to go along with the acorns.
Staff sought professional design expertise and consultation services from a local bronze
sculptor artist. They outlined the process to include complete initial drawings of a unique
rendition of an acorn form and the creation of a clay sculpture mold to be used to fabricate
the bronze sculpture. The timeline for such a project would take up to three weeks for
drawings, once approval takes place, another three to four months for fabrication and
installation.
The price per acorn would be approximately between $1700 to $3000 each. This price
will be determined by the weight of the sculptures as bronze is valued and measured by
weight as a precious metal. These art pieces would need to be bolted into the final
locations so that they could not be moved or taken. As this artwork will be owned by
the Town it would be covered under the Town’s insurance policy.
The maintenance of bronze is minimal and requires a semi-annual cleaning with a soft
cloth and liquid detergent and water. This will not require a large budget for ongoing
maintenance.
Next steps for this proposed permanent art exhibit would be to take feedback and
recommendations from the AAB to be forwarded to the Commission for further
feedback. Staff anticipates that the process to get this permanent exhibit in place could
require this topic to be addressed at multiple meetings of both the AAB and
Commission prior to moving to the Town Council for any final approvals.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are available in the Town’s Public Places for Art CIP A-514 to cover the
cost of creation, delivery, and installation of the exhibit.
RECOMMENDATION
Review proposed permanent art exhibit and provide staff with feedback and
recommendations.
Prepared by:
Marija Nelson Bleier
Visual Arts Coordinator
Reviewed by:
Henry Perezalonso
Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director