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Sandpoint commission reviews spring 2025 utility-box art installs; staff to refine process
Summary
The Sandpoint Arts, Culture, and Preservation Commission said artist-painted utility/solar-box pieces were installed in June and July and received press attention; staff and commissioners agreed to start planning earlier for the next cycle.
The Sandpoint Arts, Culture, and Preservation Commission reported that a set of utility/solar-box murals commissioned for spring 2025 were installed in June and July and drew local media coverage.
Ellie Sesmus, chairwoman of the Sandpoint Arts, Culture, and Preservation Commission, told the commission that Lee Harris’s “Kingfishers” was installed near Oak and Smith in June, and that works by Denny Henson and Dave Gonzo were placed in July after scheduling delays. “We almost made a goal of July 4, but due to, you know, meetings being postponed and things like that, it’s still been darn good,” Sesmus said.
The commission noted positive feedback from the artists about logistics, contracts and city support. “I’ve got good feedback from the artist on the logistics of the call and the contract,” Sesmus said, and she thanked city staff for their help. The commission also cited local coverage: Sesmus said a DailyVee article highlighted one artist and the Reader ran a spread showing all the pieces.
Commissioners discussed tightening the timeline for next year so installations are not delayed. Sesmus said the group plans to begin planning in January for the next spring installation and to aim for a June install date, adding that earlier planning should reduce scheduling conflicts with meetings and contractor availability.
No formal action was taken at the meeting beyond the update. Commissioners asked staff to continue collecting artist feedback and to bring a recommended timeline and any contract changes to a future meeting.
Context: The discussion occurred during the commission’s mission/business agenda item on public art. The commission did not adopt new rules at this meeting; it discussed scheduling and outreach improvements for future utility/solar-box mural projects.
