Donation of Bill Morrow sculpture "Insane Cycle" stalls after appraisal lowers value

A proposed donation of multiple sculptures by the late Bill Morrow — including a large piece known as Insane Cycle — remains uncertain after an independent appraisal valued the work at $8,000, well below a caretaker’s expectation of $100,000, commissioners said on Aug. 6.

Commissioners said the appraisal was ordered at the town attorney’s direction to provide an independent fair-market value and to protect the town against future ownership claims. The commission described the appraisal result as a surprise to the caretaker, identified in the meeting by her first name as Nancy, and said Nancy has declined to sign a letter of donation after seeing the low valuation.

Commission discussion noted several complicating factors: the legal authority of the person offering to transfer the works, potential heirs or other claimants, and the limits of the town’s ability to accept objects without clear title or authorization. A commission member said the donation paperwork on file included a previously signed letter and notarizations, but staff reported uncertainty about whether the signer had the legal authority to convey the works.

Staff said they will contact the caretaker to give her time to review and consider the appraisal result and to clarify whether she is authorized to sign transfer paperwork. Commissioners emphasized that the appraisal figure was intended to establish a defensible market value in the event of a later ownership dispute and that it does not reflect the town’s aesthetic valuation of the work.

At the time of the meeting commissioners described the status as "dead in the water" until the caretaker decides whether to proceed; staff said they would follow up with the caretaker and report back.