The Portland Public Art Committee voted to recommend that City Council accept a proposed gift of a granite monument from members of Portland’s Italian American community.

The motion—moved and seconded during the committee’s April meeting—passed on a roll-call vote with nine members in favor and one member absent. Committee members who voted yes included Chair Anna Burke, Vice Chair Sharon Dennehy, liaison Kat Segaria, Phoebe Cole, Allison Gibbs, Kelly Ranco, Sarah McNevitt, Stephanie Moder and John Whipple; Ronnie Wilson was absent.

The proposed monument would be placed adjacent to the public right-of-way at India Street and Fourth Street on property owned by the Portland Water District. Committee staff said the placement will require a public access easement or agreement and review by the city’s corporation counsel before final acceptance by City Council.

Kat Segaria, who acted as the committee liaison for the application, introduced applicants Judy and Jim on the committee’s behalf and shared that the Italian American community supplied a formal application, artist bios, and photographs. Applicants said the monument would be carved in granite by sculptor Giuliano Ceccinelli and would portray an immigrant family arriving in Portland; planned details include a map of Italy on one side and a map of the Portland peninsula on the other.

Judy described granite as a local material with longstanding ties to Portland’s stonecutting and masonry trades, and emphasized the community’s intent to honor the labor and cultural history of Little Italy. Jim spoke about his family’s immigrant history and said the monument would commemorate “the struggle our parents went through.” Both applicants said the timing is meaningful because this year marks the 100th anniversary of the St. Peter’s Italian Bazaar.

Committee members praised the application’s documentation and the fit between site, material and story. Kat noted the project linked material (granite) to local history; Sarah McNevitt, whose district includes the site, said she supported advancing the recommendation. No public commenters were present on the Zoom call.

Next steps identified by staff include drafting the access easement/agreement, coordinating with Portland Water District and corporation counsel, and forwarding the committee’s recommendation to City Council for final action. Staff said they will notify applicants and return to the committee with updates on the easement and the Council calendar.

Votes at a glance: recommendation to forward the proposed gift to City Council — Approved (9–0; 1 absent).