Panel approves yearlong loan of Gilliamark sculpture for Palm City park; loan cost $33,000

The Martin County Public Art Advisory Committee approved moving forward with a yearlong loan of a Gilliamark public art sculpture to be installed at the Palm City pavilion area and authorized staff to proceed with installation arrangements.

Staff reported the loan fee for the year is $33,000 and that public works will pour a concrete slab and provide a forklift for installation. The presenter described the artist collective as “internationally known” and said the piece is a signature work that includes recurring figurative motifs. The presenter told the committee the loan agreement includes a post‑loan purchase option: “they loan it to us for a year for $33,000, and then we get to buy it minus the 33 at 50% discount.”

Committee members and staff discussed funding and ownership options if the piece remains after the loan. One committee member suggested that because Palm City residents and the NAC supported siting the work in Palm City, the community should have first right of refusal to keep it after the loan. A committee motion to accept the loan and proceed with installation in Palm City passed by voice vote.

Staff said the NAC (Neighborhood Advisory Council) had recommended accepting the piece in Palm City and that staff had identified the pavilion patio at Palm City as a suitable, high‑traffic location. Public comment was invited and none was offered. With funding available in the advisory committee’s budget, staff will coordinate with public works to prepare the site and schedule installation.