City Council plans locations for new sculpture display with community involvement

The Public Art Review Committee in Portsmouth, Rockingham County, convened on May 3, 2025, to discuss the placement of a new sculpture and the development of temporary art guidelines. The meeting highlighted a collaborative approach to selecting the sculpture's location, with committee members proposing to physically move the piece to various sites for evaluation.

Committee members Mary and another participant suggested that they could transport the sculpture to different locations, including Pierce Island and Haven Park, to assess its visual impact. This hands-on approach aims to provide the city council with a clearer understanding of the sculpture's scale and suitability in each proposed area. The idea received positive feedback, with members agreeing that photographs taken during this process would aid in decision-making.

Discussion also touched on the potential challenges of placing the sculpture near the meeting house due to upcoming construction, which could delay the installation. Despite this, enthusiasm for the project remained high, with members eager to explore various options.

The committee plans to reconvene in three weeks to review the findings from the proposed locations and finalize recommendations for the city council. Additionally, the meeting included a brief mention of developing guidelines for temporary art installations, indicating a broader commitment to enhancing public art in the community.