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Arts commission advances two public‑art projects, chooses locations to pursue and approves $40,000 purchase
Summary
The commission agreed to pursue installation sites for the Touch the Sky sculpture and approved purchase and a preferred design for a red‑tailed hawk sculpture, directing staff to seek council approval and to approach the Butte County Office of Education and Southside Community Center as preferred locations.
The Oroville Arts Commission voted to pursue two public‑art projects and to move both items toward city council consideration.
For Touch the Sky, the commission approved seeking the Southside Community Center as the preferred installation site, with Centennial Park as a backup if Southside declines. Commissioners discussed locations including the levee/centennial park area, prom/photo spots and the need for a safe approach (they ruled out placing the sculpture in a roundabout because of safety concerns). The commission also confirmed the project’s NOFA amount at $25,000 and agreed to take a recommendation to the city council to seek funding and finalize a site.
On the red‑tailed hawk sculpture, commissioners selected the non‑taloned design (the version without outreaching talons) and approved a $40,000 purchase to acquire a pre‑made piece the artist had available. The commission directed staff to approach the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) as the preferred location. If BCOE declines, commissioners discussed alternatives including Centennial Park, a levee area with river backdrop, and a site near the fish hatchery that would require coordination with the Department of Water Resources or other agencies. The commission noted that downtown installations may require review by the city’s historic advisory commission and planning commission before final placement.
Commissioners emphasized photo opportunities, safety and lighting: several members asked that sculptures include a platform or steps so people of different heights can pose, confirmed that lighting would be desirable for the hawk installation, and requested staff confirm whether altered size would change cost. Commissioners also discussed the project timeline: Touch the Sky carries a deadline tied to the artist’s availability (the artist may need the piece relocated by July), and council approval of expenditures is required before the artist begins work.
The commission’s motions passed: the motion to approach Southside Community Center for Touch the Sky (with Centennial Park as backup) passed; the motion to purchase the red‑tailed hawk for $40,000 and to ask BCOE about siting passed. Staff will prepare the items for the council agenda, and commissioners discussed holding a special May meeting if necessary to meet council deadlines.
A description included in the application for Touch the Sky describes the work as follows: “Touch the Sky depicts a woman with outstretched arms and flowing tail feathers preparing to take flight. The eyes are closed in a serene dream‑like trance. The legs and feet push off against the stylized rock beneath. The sculpture serves as a visual metaphor for taking leaps of faith to achieve our dreams and fly. The rock serves as a platform for people to sit and congregate and explore the details of the sculpture.” (application text provided to the commission.)
Next steps: staff will contact Southside Community Center and BCOE, prepare a staff report for city council approval of the expenditures, and return to the arts commission with confirmed locations and any required permitting steps.
