Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council refers Connie Bean tribute to school board, approves fundraising for new Bohenco Gateway sculpture
Summary
The city’s Public Art Review Committee recommended that a proposed Connie Bean display be handled under the city’s donation policy and the council voted to forward that recommendation to the school board; the council also authorized park staff to raise about $125,000 in private funds for a new bronze sculpture, 'Nebby', by a local artist.
The Portsmouth City Council on Tuesday agreed with the newly formed Public Art Review Committee that a proposed display honoring Connie Bean should be considered under the city’s donation policy and then forwarded to the Portsmouth School Board for final acceptance and placement.
Ernie Greenslade, co-chair of the Public Art Review Committee, told the council the committee considered a donation proposal for a display recognizing Connie Bean’s contributions to the community and youth recreation. The committee concluded the object is a historical display rather than an original work of public art and recommended it be processed under the city’s donation rules. Councilors moved to refer the item to the school board with the council’s recommendation for adoption; the motion passed.
Public Art expansion at Bohenco Gateway Park
Greenslade also presented a second item from Parks: Park staff and a local donor group (PNH 400) previously funded two donated sculptures at Bohenco Gateway Park. Parks has selected a bronze sculpture by local sculptor Anthony Alemanni — called Nebby — as the next piece for the park. Greenslade said the selection considered the work’s references to Wabanaki people, symbolic content, durable materials and local casting at Green Foundry.
Council authorization and fundraising
Councilor Cook moved that Parks be authorized to raise approximately $125,000 in private funds for the sculpture, expend park funds for necessary soil testing, work with the legal department to contract for casting and align payments to fundraising, and coordinate installation with Public Works. Council approved the motion. Committee and city staff noted soil testing may be required to ensure foundations will support the bronze work; staff said they would look into possible reuse of soil tests from an earlier sculpture installation where applicable.
Ending
The council’s action will allow Parks to begin private fundraising and design coordination; the school-board referral will let the district decide acceptance and placement of the Connie Bean display on school property.
