HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.3 ARTS ADVISORY BOARD
STAFF REPORT
4.3
TO: Arts Advisory Board November 8, 2023
SUBJECT: Consider approval of Public Art Project Wood Carved Acorn
BACKGROUND
The Town of Danville Arts Advisory Board is responsible for promoting interest and
support for the arts within the community. The Board is also responsible for guiding the
implementation of a Public Art Policy and making appropriate recommendations related
to public art and its placement. This is in part done through the implementation of the
Town’s 2017 Parks Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan (Plan) which states that: “High
quality artistic statements enliven public spaces and can become symbols of civic pride and
community identity.”
A public art opportunity has presented itself to the Town d ue to the removal of an oak
tree located adjacent to the Town Meeting Hall in the parking spaces near the north side
of the Village Theatre and within the future site of the Theatre Plaza. The oak tree was in
poor health and cut down to a stump. The remaining stump was kept in an effort to
explore the potential of turning it into public art.
Staff had an arborist examine the stump, who deemed it in good condition. Staff also
reached out to a local wood carving artist who was able to examine it for its viability to
become a carved art piece. The artist found it to be a viable canvas from which to create
a wood carving.
DISCUSSION
The oak tree holds a profound significance to the Town of Danville, embodying its rich
history and natural beauty. For generations, these majestic trees have stood as enduring
symbols of strength, resilience, and community. Creating a piece from the oak that had
meaning and could become, as described in the Plan, a symbol of civic pride and
community identity was paramount. From this came the idea of carving the stump into
an acorn.
Carving an acorn from an oak tree stump would serve as a powerful homage to this
revered Town symbol. This would not only honor the town's deep-rooted connection to
these iconic trees but also serve as a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of its
residents.
The stump is approximately six feet in height and measures about three feet across the
top. Once approved and finalized, it is anticipated that the project could be completed
within a week. The local wood carving artist has provided the Town with the below
rendering of a sketch of what the carved acorn could look like:
The Arts Advisory Board is being asked to review and provide feedback and approval of
the wood-carved acorn as a public art project.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds have been appropriated in the Town's Capital Improvement Program,
Project B514, Public Places for Art, to cover the cost of the artwork and installation.
RECOMMENDATION
Consider approval of the Public Art Project Wood Carved Acorn to forward to the Parks,
Recreation, and Arts Commission for their approval.
Prepared by:
Jessica Wallner
Recreation Superintendent
Reviewed by:
Henry Perezalonso
Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director