Skagit Valley College student seeks commission help to install 'Bruiser' elk sculpture on campus

A Skagit Valley College student government member on Tuesday asked the Oak Harbor Arts Commission for help turning a community idea into a formal proposal for a large elk sculpture on the college campus.

The student, identified only as Jasmine, told commissioners she and campus colleagues are in “brainstorming” mode and seeking guidance on scope, cost and project steps for a sculptural "Bruiser" figure roughly described as weighing about 1,000 pounds and featuring prominent antlers.

Commissioners said the commission is developing an arts plan that includes an external application form and internal evaluation worksheets. Commissioners and staff urged Jasmine to use the draft application documents once finalized, to collect a proposed budget, timeline and roles for partners. Commissioners said the forms will make it easier to present a complete package to the city and, later, to the City Council should funding or city approvals be requested.

Arts Commissioner JR asked for specifics — materials, dimensions, cost and timeline — and Jasmine said those details have not yet been settled because material prices are rising and the project is still early. Commissioners and staff suggested steps Jasmine can take before a formal submission: refine a project description, assemble a proposed budget and identify partners or sponsors.

Commissioners also offered to connect Jasmine to local resources. Arts Commissioner Cynthia, the commission vice chair, and others said they would share contact information and suggested commission members with sculpture experience could help shape an initial plan or prototype. Commission members stressed that the commission will likely require a completed application and supporting materials before recommending any public funding or formal city action.

The exchange remained advisory: commissioners repeatedly reminded Jasmine that the commission is still finalizing its arts plan and policies, and that the commission’s formal processes will guide any future staff or council referrals. Jasmine said she would collect contact information and follow up with staff to begin drafting a formal application.

Commissioners asked staff to share the commission's draft external application worksheet with Jasmine when the commission agrees the form is ready for public use; several commissioners emphasized the commission's current policy to hold requests until the arts plan is adopted, but to offer informal help in the meantime.