Carbondale arts panel recommends town accept Bill Morrow "Insane Cycle" donation, conditions vote on cost and site

The Carbondale Public Arts Commission voted to recommend that the town accept a donation of Bill Morrow’s large motorcycle sculpture, often called the “Insane Cycle,” provided the artwork is placed on town property and installation costs do not exceed $15,000.

Commissioners said the recommendation followed a site and condition review and would be forwarded to the Town Trustees for final acceptance. The donation would include a plaque and a stipulation that the town “ensure and maintain” the piece, per the donor’s request.

Commissioners and staff discussed logistics and costs at length. Public discussion noted that the sculpture is large and heavy, has sat on concrete blocks, and would require a concrete pad or alternative anchoring. A public-works estimate for a concrete pad was cited in the meeting as roughly $7,000 to $11,000; commissioners said additional costs could include transport, a plaque and any site work. The commission’s motion set $15,000 as a not-to-exceed figure for acquisition and installation costs pending a final site and a detailed cost estimate.

Participants also discussed possible locations on town-owned property, including Third Street near the highway, the launchpad/Third Street Center area and other town parcels along Highway 133. Commission members emphasized that any recommended location would need approval by site managers (for example, the Third Street Center if the chosen site is on its managed property) and a public-works review of mounting and anchoring methods.

Commission members noted a potential funding source: the commission’s 1% public-art fund. During the meeting the fund balance was described as approximately $30,000, though commissioners said some of that amount is typically reserved for future maintenance and other commitments. Commissioners agreed they would include an estimated funding plan and a recommended site when they send the donation recommendation to the Trustees.

The motion to recommend acceptance was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners recorded that next steps are (1) finalize a recommended location and installation method, (2) obtain a detailed cost estimate from public works, and (3) present the donation recommendation and budget estimate to the Town Trustees for formal acceptance.

Frank (commission member) who visited Morrow’s holdings and photographed the piece described it as one of the artist’s largest works and said he “would love to see this thing come home.” Commission staff and members said they would circulate photos and technical details to public works to inform the trustees’ packet.

The commission made clear the recommendation is conditioned on the trustees’ approval and a confirmed budget and site plan; trustees must complete the final acceptance and sign any donation agreement.