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Artist Arliss Newcomb withdraws proposed sculpture donation after library cites space and maintenance limits
Summary
At a Prescott City Civic Enhancement Committee meeting, artist Arliss Newcomb formally withdrew a proposed four-foot stone sculpture donation to the city library after library staff said it cannot accept new pieces now because of space, maintenance needs and pending repairs.
Arliss Newcomb, a stone sculptor, withdrew a proposal to donate a four-foot stone sculpture to the Prescott City library during a meeting of the Civic Enhancement Committee. The committee heard the presentation and a subsequent discussion of placement, maintenance and the committee’s donation policy before Newcomb withdrew the application.
Newcomb told the committee she is a “stone sculptor for 45 years” and that the piece “is a $4,000 piece,” that it “comes in 4 pieces” and “stands 4 feet tall.” She said she and her husband recently had heart surgery and could not move the work herself. Newcomb also said the sculpture is “safely pinned and sleeved everywhere” and that it requires little upkeep beyond “wiping off with a soft damp cloth probably once a month.”
Library staff told the committee the library must decline the donation at this time. A library representative said the building already houses a large collection of artwork, that some outdoor pieces need about $60,000 in repairs, and that the library is prioritizing space and program expansions over accepting new donations. The representative told the committee, “even though we are a strong supporter of the arts, we would like to decline, the accepting of this piece at this time.” The representative also said the library’s inventory is not fully cataloged online and that some sources cited a larger total collection than staff could confirm.
Committee members reviewed the city policy that governs donated artwork. The policy language read to the meeting begins: “Following review and examination of the artwork and donation proposal, the Civic Enhancement Committee shall make a recommendation to the city council regarding acceptance or not acceptance of the artwork, placement, and cost of the artwork, and responsible party for any ongoing maintenance costs to be considered available voting meeting following the 60 day public comment period.” Committee members advised that acceptance typically requires a defined location and an identified party responsible for maintenance before a recommendation is sent to the city council.
After the discussion, Newcomb chose to withdraw the application rather than pursue acceptance without an agreed location. Committee staff advised Newcomb to approach other public venues — including the Prescott airport and noncity institutions such as Yavapai College — and to return with written permission from any accepting facility, which would simplify the committee’s recommendation to the city council. Committee members said they can reconsider the piece if the artist brings back a confirmed indoor location and any required facility permissions.
No formal motion to accept the sculpture was made; the artist’s withdrawal ended the matter at this meeting. The committee noted that any future recommendation to accept donated artwork would be subject to the 60-day public comment period and final council action.
