The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission voted June 18 to recommend that the City begin the formal deaccessioning process for two public artworks: the fountain sculpture known as Trace Manos (installed 1999) in front of the Douglas County Public Health building and a mosaic wall fountain (installed 1999) at the entry to the outdoor aquatic center. Commissioners approved forwarding the recommendation to the City Commission.

Staff presented photographs and condition assessments showing advanced deterioration: the metal fountain incorporates Corten steel that has corroded where it is continually wet and now clogs the pump system; the mosaic wall’s glaze has chipped and stained from water exposure and the piece is no longer functioning reliably as a fountain. The presentation noted costs for removal and remediation have not been budgeted, and any physical removal or replacement will depend on future funding and construction schedules.

The commission’s motion authorizes City staff to begin the formal deaccession process, not immediate removal. The commission’s presenter said the Trace Manos piece’s stainless-steel elements remain in good condition but the Corten-steel portions have rusted where they are perpetually wet; she said the city will offer the original artist a right of first refusal for the metal elements if the piece is taken down. For the mosaic wall, staff said the work is built into the building façade, which complicates removal and raises cost and design considerations.

Commissioners discussed interim options such as leaving pedestals or fountain bases to host new artwork or converting the sites into temporary exhibition spaces for rotating work. One commissioner suggested documenting the removed pieces and preserving a small element or plaque on site to record their history; staff said a plaque at the health department site already exists and could remain in place. Commissioners also discussed community-sourced archival photos to preserve public memory given limited digital records for pieces installed in 1999.

Marie moved to recommend the City begin the deaccessioning process; Kelly seconded. A roll-call vote recorded approvals from Tim, Alicia, Monique, Kelly, Matthew, Ayesha and others; the motion passed unanimously. Staff cautioned that deaccession is the first formal step and that actual removal or replacement may take months to years depending on budgeting and any planned construction at the sites.

Next steps identified by staff include formal City Commission consideration, cost estimates for removal or site remediation, and exploration of reuse options for the sites, including possible inclusion in the city’s temporary public art program.