Private donors raise $10,000 to complete Carl Hyatt photograph gift; city council to consider acceptance Feb. 3

The committee discussed final arrangements for a partial gift of a photograph by artist Carl Hyatt. Hyatt had intended a full gift, but the donation ultimately became a partial gift requiring donor funds to complete the purchase. Committee members said donors recently raised $10,000 to make up the difference; staff will present the donation for city-council acceptance at the Feb. 3 meeting.

Committee chair Chris summarized the financials: “the donor amount is $10,000, and actually, I'm not sure what the, I I I'm gonna say that What the what the value is? What the value is is approximately, I think, in the 15 to 16 range,” he said, noting values fluctuate. Committee members confirmed the city was not involved in the solicitation; the artist solicited donors from his own network and donors provided the funds to the city for purchase.

Committee members said the work will be installed inside a municipal building at the end of a hallway so it will be visible to the public who visit the building. The committee plans a small unveiling and a plaque to recognize donors; the city council agenda will list donor names when the council considers acceptance. Committee members described the arrangement as a pragmatic way to proceed given the artist’s health and the fundraising network that supported completion of the gift.

No formal council action occurred at the committee meeting; staff will place the item on the city-council agenda for final acceptance.