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6.1
ARTS ADVISORY BOARD & PARKS, RECREATION & ARTS
COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
September 13, 2023
TO: Arts Advisory Board and Parks, Recreation & Arts Commission
SUBJECT: Permanent Public Art - Acorn Project Update
BACKGROUND:
The Town adopted the Danville Parks, Recreation & Arts Strategic Plan Update (Plan) in
2017. The Plan includes several strategic recommendations for integrating public art into
parks and facilities. Artworks, specifically public art, were 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 creating and permanently placing
small bronze, three-dimensional sculptures in downtown Danville. These acorns were to
pay homage to the iconic Old Oak Tree, a symbol of stability and strength in the Town.
This idea garnered support from the AAB and was discussed briefly at the March 10,
2021, Joint Council, Commission, and AAB Meeting.
At the May 12, 2021, Arts Advisory Board Meeting, staff presented more detail on the
proposed exhibit titled Acorns of the Old Oak. Staff suggested purchasing ten bronze
acorns measuring 6 x 6 x 4 inches in size, which could be placed around various locations
in the Downtown area at town-owned facilities and/or historic building sites. The exhibit
process was outlined to include the completion of initial drawings of a unique rendition
of an acorn form, the creation of a clay sculpture mold to be used to fabricate the bronze
sculpture, and pricing. The prices per acorn were approximately between $1700 to $3000
each. The final price will be determined by the weight of the sculptures, as bronze is
valued and measured by weight as a precious metal.
This project was temporarily paused to allow the Town to develop the Downtown Master
Plan (DMP) and for the Town Green and Arts District (Town Green) design, both of
which provided an opportunity to integrate public art, including the acorn project.
DISCUSSION
In conjunction with the development and design discussions surrounding the DMP and
the Town Green, the staff is now soliciting feedback to reignite the process toward
moving forward with the proposed permanent art. Specifically, the staff is looking for
assistance in identifying locations for placing the acorns.
When looking at potential locations, the Commission and AAB are asked to consider the
improvements associated with the DMP, Town Green, and historic Danville. Through
these acorns, this permanent art exhibit can encourage a subtle, sweet discovery of
Danville for all who visit, dine, and shop.
Similar to the previous “homework” exercise provided during the development phase of
the DMP, it is requested that the Commission and AAB individually tour Downtown to
identify and photograph potential locations for the acorns. Specifically:
1. Walk through historic Downtown Danville with map (Attachment A) and
observe your surroundings.
2. Identify and photograph 10 potential locations for a bronze acorn. Consider
historical sites or spaces unique to Danville. What do you want residents and
visitors to see?
3. Email photos and a brief description of the locations to Jessica Wallner no later
than Friday, September 29.
All information from this exercise will be returned to the Arts Advisory Board for
discussion and final recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive updates and provide feedback.
Prepared by:
Jessica Wallner
Recreation Superintendent
Reviewed by:
Henry Perezalonso
Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director
Attachment A: Acorns of the Old Oak Exercise