Green Bay PAC raises questions about ownership, storage and relocation of downtown sculptures

Green Bay — At the Sept. 24 Public Arts Commission meeting commissioners discussed several public sculptures that have been placed in storage or sit in the public right-of-way and urged staff to clarify ownership and relocation plans.

Commissioners reported that a downtown sculpture titled Divided United is currently in storage and that public arts staff will locate it and recommend a new site. The commission also discussed a set of limestone sculptures by the late Ned Dame (mentioned in the meeting as deceased) that are heavy and will require a forklift to move if parking meters are reinstalled on Broadway.

The commission said On Broadway (a downtown business improvement organization) indicated it does not claim ownership of a set of sculptures that were installed on parking meters; the historic ownership transfer to the city was discussed but commissioners said it is unclear whether that transfer was completed. One commissioner said the sculptures were created by five local contributors — Ned Kane (or Dame as referenced in the packet), Al Buick, Carrie Fonder, Steve Haas and the speaker — and that documentation about transfer of ownership is inconsistent.

Commissioners asked public arts staff to determine ownership, find storage or new public locations for pieces that must move because of planned street or meter changes, and to locate and rehome Divided United. The commission also noted that a set of flat clay facade sculptures from Old Fort Square were preserved and are now in city possession to be used in the public market.

No formal motions or votes were recorded on specific transfers or expenditures at the meeting; commissioners said staff will follow up and report back at a future meeting.