Plan Commission approves moving Kabuki Dancer sculpture to Beshstein Park

The Toledo City Plan Commission on an administrative vote approved a special study to relocate the Kabuki Dancer public sculpture from Levis Square to Beshstein Park.

The commission approved case M2-25 after staff said the proposed relocation remains in downtown, aligns with the 2015 Toledo strategic plan for arts and culture, and places the sculpture where it can be seen from multiple viewpoints.

Nathan Matamo, who said he represents the project team and the Art Public Places Committee, told the commission the move was prompted by changes at Levis Square related to utilities and easements and that the committee sought to keep the work in the downtown fabric. "It was critical that we kept the sculpture in downtown," Matamo said. He noted Owens Corning, which maintains the proposed site, supported the move. Director Gibbons told the commission the planning commission is charged by the city charter with reviewing works of public art, which is why the item was before the body.

Commissioners asked about visibility, compatibility with nearby architecture and pedestrian traffic; members praised the presentation and the applicant's materials. A motion to approve M2-25 passed unanimously.

The relocation will keep Kabuki Dancer in downtown Toledo and move it to a greenspace already hosting other public artworks; the commission approved staff's recommendation and recorded no opposition during the hearing.