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Public Arts board debates repair vs. replacement for fire-damaged sculpture; contract milestones issued for walking-trails phases
Summary
Board discussed options for restoring a fire-damaged sacred fire sculpture by artist Yoshi Wright, including insurance claims and replacing the base; staff also reported that contracts for walking-trails phases 3 have been finalized and initial milestone payments issued.
The Public Arts Advisory Board on March discussed whether to accept repairs to a fire-damaged sculpture or seek a full replacement, and heard brief contract updates for walking-trails phases 3.
A staff member told the board that artist Yoshi Wright told staff he "will repair the sculpture as much as possible," and that repaired areas likely will be a darker hue where burned. The staff member said Wright also told them the repaired sections would be waterproof and that he uses a product called Miracle Cover, a rubber silicone sealant, to seal repairs.
Board members expressed concern about visible discoloration and long-term outdoor durability. One board member said repairing "is not acceptable," adding that the board is answerable to the public and contributors who expected an undamaged piece. Another member asked whether it would be preferable to redo the sculpture's base entirely rather than accept a visible repair, and suggested seeking the city council's view before directing the artist to proceed.
The staff member said they will follow up with Wright to obtain cost and timeline estimates for redoing the base and will consult with city council members to gauge their opinion before proceeding. The staff member also noted Wright may claim damage through his insurance; a board member said the artist had indicated a potential out-of-pocket cost of about $2,000 to $3,000 if insurance did not cover a full replacement.
Board members discussed the interpretive implications if the artist kept evidence of fire damage as "part of the history of the piece," with one member saying that adding that backstory could detract from the sculpture's primary purpose of commemorating Choctaw history. Discussion focused on balancing appreciation for the artist's circumstances with responsibility to donors and the public.
On walking-trails phase 3, a staff member reported that Sunny Behan had his contract notarized in South Africa and the city accepted it; staff said Behan will receive a first milestone payment. The board was also told that Seth Vanderbilt's contract for phase 3 was signed and that he, too, received a first milestone payment and is expected to begin work soon.
Board members did not take a formal vote on the sculpture repair during the meeting. The staff member said next steps are to obtain cost and timeline details from Wright and to seek input from council before bringing a recommended course of action back to the board.
