Oroville Arts Commission discusses sites for two sculptures; motion on $40,000 red-tailed hawk proposed but not voted

At a recent meeting of the Oroville Arts Commission, commissioners discussed possible permanent locations for two public sculptures by artist Martin Taylor and debated a motion to commission a red-tailed hawk sculpture at a $40,000 price point; the motion was proposed but no formal vote was recorded.

The commission reviewed two pieces: a winged-figure sculpture the artist calls Touch the Sky (also referred to in meeting materials as Reach for the Sky) that is currently on temporary display in Vacaville, and a proposed red-tailed hawk design that commissioners asked be modified so talons are tucked in. Artist Martin Taylor told the commission the winged-figure has been on public display in Vacaville since July 2024 and earlier in downtown Napa, and that the work is made of weathered/rusted metal and stainless steel with internal LEDs. "I've never had one of these break ever," Taylor said, describing the lighting as simple, replaceable LED hardware and the exterior as resilient to graffiti because of its textured, rusted finish.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that location will determine the permitting route…