Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve the Selection of a Temporary Public Art Sculpture at the Botanical Gardens to be Leased for Two Years.
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Submitted By: Bethany Grubbs, Planner III
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): This is a request to approve the selection of a sculpture titled “Feathers Three” by Kirk Seese, which the City will lease for a period of two years, and install same at the Botanical Gardens. The 2021 Art in Public Places Plan (AIPP) recognizes the City’s public-private partnership with the Friends of Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden. Appendix E of the AIPP states that the City shall continue the implementation of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden Public Art Plan.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the selection of Artist Kirk Seese’s temporary art for a period of two years as recommended by the PAAB.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the selection of the temporary art piece.
2. Move that the Council not approve the selection of the temporary art piece and provide staff direction.
Background: The City made a call to artists for a two-year lease for a sculpture located at City Hall. Staff observed a few pieces that may be appropriate for the Botanical Gardens. On June 19, 2023, staff met with the Art and Cultural Enhancement (ACE) Committee at the Port St. Lucie Botanicals to discuss their temporary art program and see if there was potential for a partnership. Staff provided the representatives with the list of pieces submitted for the City Hall selection and they narrowed it down to 4 pieces for an internal vote. On September 11, 2023, the Board of Directors held their monthly meeting and selected “Feathers Three” by Kirk Seese as the sculpture that they would like to see installed. On September 18, 2023, the PAAB endorsed the selection.
The Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden is a beloved destination in Port St. Lucie for residents and visitors alike. The Botanical Garden is a public-private partnership with the facility being provided by the city and maintained by a 501c3 non-profit. There is a strong desire to include more art within the Botanical Garden and a partnership with the Art in Public Places program should be enhanced. Since the Botanical Garden is on property owned by the City of Port St. Lucie and admission is free the location is eligible for Art in Public Places installations. According to the Friends of Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden’s Public Art Master Plan, future pieces may be installed on the exterior of the building or within the gardens itself. A series of pieces could be installed, each with a budget of $5,000 - $15,000.
The Friends of Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens created their master plan in 2019, consistent with the City’s Art in Public Places Master Plan, and in doing so, partnered with the City to gain funding from the Public Art Fund for the art program at the Botanical Gardens. Places for additional sculptures have been identified for the future expansion of the program.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: The cost of the sculpture is $10,000 to lease for two years. Other associated costs may include the installation of a plinth with electrical connections. The sculpture and related site work will be paid through the public art fund.
Special Consideration: The specific installation location at the Botanical Gardens will be identified by collaboration between the Parks and Recreation Department, the Port St. Lucie Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens’ Board of Directors. Inspection of the grounds will determine the most suitable location. Factors to consider are plinth dimensions, proximity to electrical connections, and the Port District gateway plans. If the selection of Kirk Seese is approved, a contract for the two-year lease will be entered into and signed by the City Manager per the City’s threshold amounts.
Location of Project: Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
Attachments:
1. Selected Sculpture
2. Botanical Gardens Art Selection
3. 3 - Options
4. AIPP Master Plan and Appendix
5. Friends of the PSL Botanical Gardens Master Plan
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Frank Moehrle, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.
Location of Project: Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens