City-County Liaison Committee elects Alder Tishler as city co-chair, approves public art placements in City-County Building

The Dane County City-County Liaison Committee at a meeting (date not specified) elected Alder Tishler as the committee—s city co-chair and approved locations in the City-County Building for a Ho-Chunk photographic print by Tom Jones, the relocation of memorial prints, and two donated wood sculptures.

Committee business opened with a city-side nomination and a voice vote that carried; Alder Tishler said he was willing to serve as co-chair. The committee then approved the minutes of the Aug. 1, 2024, City-County Liaison Committee meeting with one abstention.

The committee approved a proposed location for what the agenda called a Cameron Collins digital print, described in meeting materials as a photographic portrait by a Ho-Chunk artist associated with Tom Jones; the package includes a plaque to note that the City-County Building sits on ancestral indigenous lands. Mark Frere, speaking online, said, “Tom is very excited to have his work displayed and exhibited here in the county building. He is a UW professor as well.” The committee voted to hang the print on a wall near the main entrance stairwell and to relocate earlier memorial prints to the opposite wall.

Members discussed display details. One member asked whether additional lighting would be budgeted to make the work visible; staff said they would evaluate the work with existing lighting and, if necessary, pursue an allocation from future budgets. The committee also agreed that any glare or mounting concerns would be considered when the final installation plan is prepared.

The committee separately approved two donated wood sculptures offered after the Harry White Horse International Sculpture Festival. The pieces—identified in the agenda as Flow, by Michael Rafka, and No More Stolen Sisters, by Jean Delcourt—are currently on temporary placement at sites including Garver Feed Mill and Oak Gardens. The committee endorsed locating the sculptures in the foyer area between the main doors of the City-County Building, subject to an ADA clearance. Staff said Ellen Durge, the ADA coordinator, will review the proposed placement when she returns after Aug. 1.

During the sculpture discussion staff estimated that the taller piece, Flow, measures about 7 to 8 feet. Committee members said plaques or pedestals should accompany the works; staff indicated plaques may come with the donations or the county could produce its own signage. Because the sculptures are donations, staff noted there may be a separate county-board resolution to accept the gifts.

Other items raised included a brief discussion about improving the front reception desk or furniture in the building—s entryway; staff said Department of Administration work is under way and they will gather more information. With no further business, the committee adjourned by voice vote.