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Arts commission approves $25,000 purchase of Touch the Sky sculpture
Summary
The Oroville Arts Commission voted unanimously to buy the sculpture 'Touch the Sky' for $25,000 including delivery and setup; commissioners discussed siting, lighting and permits.
OROVILLE — The Oroville Arts Commission on an unspecified meeting date approved the purchase of the sculpture "Touch the Sky" for $25,000, including delivery and setup, the commission recorded by consensus as approved unanimously.
The vote will allow the city to acquire a large, lighted sculpture currently on loan in Vacaville. Commissioners said the artwork includes a base and wiring; city staff will need to secure permits and a final installation site. One commissioner moved to approve the purchase, and another seconded; commissioners then voted to approve the purchase by unanimous consent (exact vote counts were not specified in the meeting transcript).
Commissioners described possible locations including the hill near the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) and the convention center; staff and commissioners said they would follow up with BCOE and other property owners to confirm a siting plan. Commissioners asked the artist or seller for final renderings showing a platform or step-up base and said electricity needs were minimal: the piece requires a 120‑volt outlet, according to the meeting.
The commission’s request-for-proposals (RFP) allowed projects up to $40,000 per submission, and commissioners noted the arts fund balance discussed at the meeting was sufficient to cover the purchase (a balance described in the discussion as “about $160,000,” not an official audited figure). Commissioners said the purchase price, installation and included base made the acquisition a timely opportunity; the artist or lender has the piece on loan until approximately July, so staff anticipated arranging logistics and permits promptly.
Commissioners also discussed a separate sculpture proposal — a red‑tailed hawk design — and agreed to ask that artist for revised renderings and siting options before deciding on purchase. That hawk proposal was not approved at the meeting.
The motion approved by the commission specified purchase, delivery and setup; staff will return with permitting details, a recommended location and any required site work or electrical hookup plans. The transcript did not identify a formal funding source beyond the arts commission project funds and did not include a vote roll call with individual member votes.
