[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6185453,"mediaKeyId","5081777-dda42909383b48f59d9cc5186860391a","parentId",5081777,"title","Committee reports: public art trust grows, rail-trail guidance sought, Friends of Ruth Blay to donate remaining funds","audioSeconds",1333,"startMs",268000,"endMs",1601000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5081777-dda42909383b48f59d9cc5186860391a&start=268&end=1601","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5081777-dda42909383b48f59d9cc5186860391a/thumbnail_268000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6185453/New-Hampshire/Committee-reports-public-art-trust-grows-rail-trail-guidance-sought-Friends-of-Ruth-Blay-to-donate-remaining-funds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185453-529d0254f1eaa57fb23fd8da497fca7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188558&Signature=jI6ajDpQ7my2qeiQeD15Orvun7ly-SsRFT-DZgmbhR7pJfe9pztjx6jEd~1CFyYyD0s~pfB0tWYTFWnRUVWAw7AUWpExNErH-AU6oyQ58unZkyTcqZf2tYDMWU1pmzcGyFvNpuDcEFZ8bfP-7aSgCz-OxnXRfQBcBiXNVRO3J8cR-XZzWxMjvUbOk8BmxuGqXBjOf1z~SlvHZtZtfHGIqNboHPKWMQGV0tyD-QTDfkrPBgliiQF9XCO9IELrcBoiti3XhRqG-E0ljZoeGko1OBjtwLnpxEzmnbNJpTaOi1-GHMgCO186VlzvmcHrUK6DLuZQUIAt~xsnaO7-bK2~IA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-26T15:25:07Z","article","Members of the Portsmouth Public Art Committee reviewed several program updates: the committee’s trust fund balance, Historic District Commission (HDC) feedback on a mural, early conversations with a rail-trail nonprofit about public art guidelines, a donation offer from the Friends of Ruth Blay group, and plans to use the Chamber’s August Street Life event to raise public-art awareness.

A committee member reported the public art trust holds about $50,000 and noted the city’s capital-improvement program included another $25,000 for public art in the recent budget. The committee discussed the Judy Schubert mural and said the HDC did not approve an unmodified mural; the HDC suggested a smaller treatment, and the committee expects a reduced-size version to move forward after the artist organizers raise additional funds.

Committee members said they met with a nonprofit that is organizing the rail trail (the local organization covers the New Hampshire length of the rail trail and extends to Seabrook). The nonprofit plans to draft guidelines for public art proposals on the rail trail; the committee recommended the nonprofit get ahead of graffiti and expressed willingness to supply examples and guidance. A committee member noted some bridges already show graffiti and urged timely guideline work.

The Friends of Ruth Blay group — a volunteer nonprofit that previously undertook mural work — told the committee it intends to turn its remaining funds over to the city’s public art trust and move toward administrative dissolution. A representative said the group would ask City Council to accept the donation into the public art trust because the group itself cannot accept city-dedicated donations. \"We will present it to the city council because we ourselves can't just take donations,\" a Friends of Ruth Blay representative said.

The committee also reported a planned presence at the Chamber-led Street Life event on Aug. 13 (rain date Aug. 14), where organizers expect 350 to 400 attendees; the committee plans to use centerpieces and handouts to showcase public-art projects and raise awareness and potential donors.

Inventory updates: members noted several pieces have been removed or damaged (for example, a bowsprit installation above Martin Gale Wharf had fallen and been removed); the committee said it would reclassify some pieces as \"historic\" in the inventory to preserve records of works that are no longer on public display.

Separately, committee members discussed a possible bench funding split for Bohinkel Gateway Park and agreed they need more cost information before pairing that with the larger sculpture discussion.

The committee asked staff to continue outreach with the rail-trail nonprofit, to prepare the Friends of Ruth Blay donation for City Council acceptance, and to use the Aug. 13 Street Life event as a public-awareness and fundraising opportunity.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6.25.2025 Public Art Review Committee","oneSentenceSummary","The Public Art Committee reported a $50,000 trust balance, an added $25,000 in the CIP for public art, HDC feedback on the Judy Schubert mural, the rail-trail nonprofit planning public-art guidelines, Friends of Ruth Blay planning to donate remaining funds to the public art trust, and plans to promote public art at an August Street Life event.","taxTitle","Portsmouth Boards & Commissions, Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire","taxId",68331,"location","New Hampshire","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6185458,"Public Art Committee recommends treating Connie Bean display as donation; asks City Council to review guidelines for honors and exhibits",848,4108000,4956000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5081777-dda42909383b48f59d9cc5186860391a&start=4108&end=4956","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5081777-dda42909383b48f59d9cc5186860391a/thumbnail_4108000.jpg","/articles/6185458/New-Hampshire/Public-Art-Committee-recommends-treating-Connie-Bean-display-as-donation-asks-City-Council-to-review-guidelines-for-honors-and-exhibits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185458-eb2d312f8a88d6e94f28738f369632d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188558&Signature=GM97gD4bccZqg-cqDiUNTK-Ktggb4CY3uBXREvGhDJL-NKF-zFDtNVARrXnTxIAS5sflRzD2DU0pacBMHT7XPP-NgZD2QowzIMbFe5qlr48AD6E~mHUOQGdtxaMclvX-MdLyrcZS5SJ995LUfJNHCskv3KiLpt7IVqVhEzZGJ9368K4RcTcfG~IsPkyAJaBR3teQgsxafaulmwhd0aOpp7BS30LPB0uRd27HMqhYhKSnwswm0CB~lUHpk32P3tCfmlfFscoeLWvwk8eIp10E6BnnLOBEPmrODjnRn6R~aF-4mgTsVEa~IULrMm-Jvka9TRUr-2IedSJQwKzIACuawA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Portsmouth Public Art Committee recommended that a proposed Connie Bean installation in a city recreation center be handled as a donation/historical exhibit, not as a public-art commission, and asked staff to prepare a memo for the City Council outlining that recommendation and suggesting broader guidance for honoring people in city spaces.

Committee members said the submission read primarily as a text-and-artifact exhibit: “It looks more like a historical exhibit rather than just a work of art,” one committee member said. The committee discussed whether the mural-like columns and painted elements required the Public Art Committee’s aesthetic review or whether the display should follow the city’s donation process because it would be installed in a city-owned facility.

Members noted the submission included installation details (wall prep, paints, ceiling work) and that part of the proposal resembled a mural while other parts were poster boards and framed artifacts. The group agreed they could evaluate the installation’s technical aspects (will it adhere to the wall, will it be durable) but not treat the entire package as a public-art piece for aesthetic selection. \"We would recommend also that the council consider further guidelines for honoring city employees or honoring the people whose buildings bear the name,\" a committee member said.

The committee also discussed the city’s donation policy and the need for a clearer, citywide approach: who approves donated displays in city buildings, whether donated works create maintenance obligations for the city, and how to avoid ad hoc precedents (for example, many groups may seek wall space to honor local figures). The group recommended that the City Council review the donation policy and consider clarifications for displays that acknowledge local people, including when installations should come before the Public Art Committee versus being routed directly as donations.

Separately, the committee reviewed a draft set of rules for a City Hall rotating exhibition program (display rules, sale restrictions, artist contact information and insurance). Members asked staff to clarify several points with the city legal and administrative staff, notably whether works displayed on city property can be offered for sale, and whether artists or lenders would be required to carry insurance or sign waivers. Committee members noted the current city practice often requires liability coverage when nonprofit groups use city spaces and asked staff to confirm policy details and whether liability or waiver requirements would discourage some artists from participating.

The committee asked staff to prepare a concise memo to the City Council that: characterizes the Connie Bean submission as a donation/historical exhibit rather than a public-art commission, outlines the committee’s technical comments about installation durability, and recommends that Council consider guidance on how the city honors individuals in public spaces. The committee chair said she would draft the memo and circulate it to members for review.","The committee concluded that the proposed Connie Bean installation at the recreation center appears to be a historical exhibit/donation rather than a public-art commission and voted to draft a memo for City Council recommending donation-process review and clearer guidelines for honoring individuals and displays on city property.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6185463,"Public Art Committee OKs proposal to take Abenaki-themed bronze sculpture to City Council, subject to fundraising",1993,1997000,3990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5081777-dda42909383b48f59d9cc5186860391a&start=1997&end=3990","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5081777-dda42909383b48f59d9cc5186860391a/thumbnail_1997000.jpg","/articles/6185463/New-Hampshire/Public-Art-Committee-OKs-proposal-to-take-Abenaki-themed-bronze-sculpture-to-City-Council-subject-to-fundraising","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185463-8007f0a0a3c2a8570482e093e4e39cb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188558&Signature=Yj0mNGh5EGTeq5oGbjKRbVe6G5rLWI3x7vyTpB2UvJ9KliByoQqTCcrlEK4TMVPL7YvhzzRK~c0e7q-C4MlXPc5uN4XzxhN6soQjo6cBq0FBbPcjS0BPuie63hsUPTk98ssxX1zZ7rgzMBWjsSYR8m~jjcgyr5gIEW1RQotxuoLEek-3JqxzUfyDoPzHKxf00HFM8r2CVqo3EWGmMSl8JMpAWO5zzBwpsJdC3fCacmNjE25m1TlukPLlVlfMCywU4FTevnLiMTEMLoWtkkjJGFZoj9P5Yd~gLjL2QPovMlmjDpuVWYlwYv8-6ycMk~Zh~WNifem0EI2L~AsWFV6IbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth Public Art Committee voted to move forward with a proposal to present sculptor Anthony Alemany’s design “Nebi” for Bohinkel Gateway Park to the City Council, with the caveat that the project proceed only after sufficient fundraising.

The sculptor, Anthony Alemany, described the proposed work as a 9-foot figure holding an Abenaki water vessel, mounted on a granite base and a turtle-shell element; he said the piece would be cast in silicon bronze and estimated to weigh roughly 400–450 pounds. \"Nebi means water in the Algonquin language,\" Alemany said, and the piece is intended to “honor the Abenaki people” and local maritime history.

Committee members said the presentation to council would be done now in principle so the committee can begin formal fundraising and use council approval to authorize expenditures into the public art trust. \"The advice was in July, at the July meeting, to bring it to the council in principle,\" a committee member said during the discussion; the motion to present the proposal to council, subject to fundraising, carried with an affirmative voice vote.

Alemany outlined a stepwise schedule and budget assumptions: he said a one-third-scale maquette would take approximately 6–8 weeks and cost about $2,500; full-size sculpting would follow and require months of studio work, moldmaking and foundry casting. He estimated the total project budget in the range discussed at the meeting — roughly $123,000 to $125,000 — and noted site-preparation and engineering were additional costs the committee should expect. An engineering estimate cited by Alemany recommended a poured concrete pier with stainless steel anchors; an initial design estimate to draft footing plans was cited at about $6,000, while a broader site-prep figure he used in his budgeting was about $12,000.

Committee members flagged permitting, foundation design and the need to consult the city archaeologist for any excavation. Paul Poullier and Denise Poullier of the Kalisuk band of Pennacook Abenaki told the committee they had reviewed the concept and offered guidance; Alemany said they had given him input on symbology and would continue to advise on design details.

The committee and artist discussed location options within Bohinkel Gateway Park and noted that proximity to water could raise engineering difficulty and cost. The committee discussed possible DPW participation in site work and recommended an engineering study up front to reduce uncertainty during contracting.

Alemany proposed a phased fundraising approach tied to deliverables: a deposit to begin the maquette, staged payments at approval milestones, and fundraising steps timed to the production phases. He estimated the foundry and casting work would add several months, putting overall completion at roughly a year from approval, subject to fundraising and permitting.

The vote to take the proposal to City Council subject to fundraising passed by voice vote; the transcript records unanimous \"Aye\" responses but does not list a written tally or name the motion maker or seconder.

The committee directed staff and members to prepare materials for a July City Council meeting so the council could \"bless our fundraising effort\" and consider site approval in principle.","The Portsmouth Public Art Committee voted to present Anthony Alemany’s “Nebi,” a 9-foot silicon-bronze sculpture honoring Wabanaki history, to the City Council for site approval and fundraising support; the committee set a fundraising contingency and discussed engineering, timeline and costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee reports: public art trust grows, rail-trail guidance sought, Friends of Ruth Blay to donate remaining funds

Public Art Committee recommends treating Connie Bean display as donation; asks City Council to review guidelines for honors and exhibits

Public Art Committee OKs proposal to take Abenaki-themed bronze sculpture to City Council, subject to fundraising